“We’ll Never Forget This”: NUBASS UNIJOS President Hails Bauchi Govt Over Students Evacuation

Comrade James Timothy, President, NUBASS UNIJOS

By Paul Orude, Bauchi

The President of the National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS), University of Jos Chapter, Comrade James Timothy, has expressed profound gratitude to the Bauchi State Government for evacuating students from their hostels following the crisis in Anguwan Rukuba that claimed 27 lives.

Timothy, a student of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, spoke at the Government House, Bauchi, in the early hours of Friday when the students arrived safely.

He described the intervention as one that would remain indelible in the memories of the rescued students.

“It was a very difficult moment for us when the crisis broke out, but through the intervention of the state government, particularly His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, and the Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Hajia Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, the response was swift,” he said.

The student leader explained that he had communicated the situation of Bauchi students in UNIJOS to the NUBASS National President, Comrade Mohammed Suleiman Abdulwahab, who escalated the matter to the appropriate authorities.

According to him, the prompt intervention helped prevent severe trauma among the affected students.

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“In the history of UNIJOS, we have not witnessed this kind of intervention,” he stated.

“In 2021, there was a similar crisis, and no such support came. There were killings, injuries, and many Bauchi students were affected,” he recalled.

He added that the recent rescue has restored confidence among Bauchi students seeking admission into the university.

“Many of our people were afraid to come to UNIJOS because of past experiences, but this action by the Governor has given us renewed courage and confidence to study here,” he said.

“Truly, from the depth of my heart, on behalf of all the students, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Governor and the Commissioner for Higher Education. May God Almighty bless you for coming through for us.”

Timothy, an indigene of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, also urged prospective students from Bauchi State not to be discouraged from seeking admission into the University of Jos.

“Studying at UNIJOS is no longer something to fear. We now have the full backing of the state government. I encourage students to apply and pursue any course of their choice without fear,” he added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Hajia Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, disclosed that the 64 evacuated students arrived safely at the Government House, Bauchi, in the early hours of Friday.

According to her, the swift intervention was triggered by a distress call from the NUBASS President, Mohammed Suleiman, who alerted authorities about students trapped in their hostels amid the unrest.

“Immediately we got the information, we mobilised and the government gave full support. Security agencies were involved, and buses were provided to ensure the safe evacuation of the students,” she said.

Kango described the operation as a clear demonstration of Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Bauchi indigenes, noting that all the students arrived safely and are being reunited with their families.

She also commended the students for their discipline during the crisis.

“They conducted themselves responsibly and avoided anything that could endanger their lives. That is commendable,” she added, urging them to remain focused on their education.

The NUBASS leadership also confirmed that the evacuation was carried out with the support of top government officials, including the Ministry of Higher Education and security agencies.

They praised the Bauchi State Government for its timely response, noting that the intervention reflects its consistent commitment to student welfare, including scholarship programmes and emergency support.

The evacuation comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Jos, as authorities continue efforts to restore calm in affected communities.