In a press release titled “University of Jos: Clarification on Recent Events” published on Monday, April 15, 2024 by the Office of The vice-chancellor information, publications, public relations & protocol division.
The Press release debunks reports of death of any students or staff members at the university’s health center in the past year. It also addressed an incident involving a female UNIJOS student, Miss Nankling Samuel who reportedly passed on due to poor health facilities on campus that caused a wave of protests in the UNIJOS environment and on social media.
The protesters, who were mainly students of Dental Surgery, stormed the school gate with placards displaying various inscriptions, and chanting slogans, such as ‘Insufficient Medical Facilities in Clinics Despite Hike in School Fees.’
Other placards also bear messages like: ‘Justice for our fallen comrades’ and ‘Enough is Enough, Fix Our Health Facilities Now.’
Contents of the press release by the school addressed the protests and gave clarity on the issue.
Read the full Press release below;
“The attention of Management of the University of Jos has been drawn to recent events surrounding misleading reports being circulated, particularly on Social Media platforms suggesting that the recent unfortunate demise of a Student of the University was due to negligence and certain deficiencies associated with her treatment in the University Clinic.
Management wishes to state categorically that no Student or Staff of the University has passed away in the University’s Health Centre within the past year but that a specific incident involving a female Student, Miss Nankling Samuel, who was admitted to the Clinic, was due to a health crisis related to Sickle Cell Anemia. Despite the best efforts of the Medical team at the Centre, Miss Nankling’s condition did not improve, prompting a referral to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where she later tragically passed away.
The University Management wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family of Miss Nankling Samuel, a 300 level Student of the Department of Political Science and considers the loss of such a promising Student as a profound tragedy. Management has since directed the Students Affairs Directorate to reach out to the family to convey the University’s sympathies and offer them support during this difficult time preparatory to a formal condolence visit by members of Management.
In light of recent protests by Students that led to the closure of entrances into the University and disrupted activities on campus, the University Administration has engaged with representatives of the Student body to address their concerns and grievances believing that through open dialogue and constructive engagement, all issues affecting the Students will be resolved amicably.
Following discussions with the Student representatives, it was agreed that the University Administration will take immediate steps to address pressing issues such as the provision of water and the renovation of essential utilities within the campus. Additionally, matters that require more time for resolution will be handled through established procedures and channels as the University remains committed to the well-being and welfare of all its Students and Staff.
Management would like to reassure members of the public that the University remains open and fully functional for all Academic and Administrative activities.
Students of the University are strongly advised to exercise caution and avoid being swayed by mischief-makers seeking to sow discord within the University community.
They can always obtain accurate information about the University from official University communication channels or their designated representatives.”
Signed: Abdullahi Abdullahi, Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications)