The Plateau State University, Bokkos, has declared that classes would resume following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

According to reports, approximately 150 people were killed when gunmen stormed three Local Government Areas in Plateau State.

The public institution is located in the Bokkos Local Government Area, one of the council districts where gunmen attacked 25 towns on Christmas Eve, killing over 150 people.

On Monday, January 8, 2024, the Plateau State University Bokkos Senate convened and affirmed the continuance of the academic year 2022–2023.

In this regard, the university announced on Tuesday in a statement signed by John Agam, its public relations officer, that regular academic work at the institution began on Monday, January 8, 2024.

According to information obtained, the Senate also authorised the University’s first postgraduate student admittance list during the meeting and gave the go-ahead for registration and classes to start this week, on January 12, 2024.

According to Agam, Professor Matur Malau Bernard, the university’s Vice Chancellor, has asked both staff and students to return as soon as possible to avoid missing any classes that could have an impact on their academic standing.

Additionally, he mentioned that the institution has implemented certain security measures to guarantee the protection and well-being of both staff and students.

He said, also, that Professor Matur urged members of the Staff Unions not to diminish this vision. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving academic culture and leaving an enduring legacy through the teaching of undergraduates and postgraduate students who would replace the current generation of lecturers.

The administration has deployed a detachment of the Special Task Force of Operation Safe Haven Bokkos Area Command, sited the Police Station around the University, deployed Civil Defence Corp Operatives, recruited members of the Hunters Association of Nigeria, and recently provided security operations training for the internal security of the University, all in an effort to reassure the university community that extensive measures have been taken to address the security situation in and around the campus.

Professor Matur said that since he assumed office fully in June last year, he has approved training programmes for 67 academic staff to further their education in various universities within and outside the country. More plans are on the way for more to be considered soon.

He claimed that the university has upgraded its learning environment under his direction by installing solar farms and remodelling lecture halls, staff offices, and furniture.

The Senate conducted a minute of silence in memory of University student Damaris David Yakubu and three other staff members who passed away over the Christmas break.