PLSG Records Significant Progress in Addressing Land Encroachment in Unijos

UNIVERSITY OF JOS, JOS NIGERIA

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

PLSG HIGH POWERED COMMITTEE ON LAND ADMINISTRATION RECORDS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING LAND ENCROACHMENT IN UNIJOS

Management of the University of Jos has expressed gratitude to the Plateau State Government for establishing a High-Powered Committee on Land Administration that is taking far-reaching measures to address the longstanding issue of land grabbing and illegal mining activities within the University campus. These activities have not only posed environmental hazards to the University community, but are threatening the security of Staff and Students of the institution.

While expressing the institution’s appreciation, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya also commended the State Government for taking decisive action to address the challenges of land encroachment which has hindered further expansion and development of the University, as seen by the University’s inability to fully undertake perimeter fencing of its Naraguta Campus due to threat from the encroachers.

Professor Ishaya was speaking when members of the High-Powered Committee on Land Administration set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang visited the University for an on-the-spot inspection and assessment of the land issues confronting the University.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, setting up the Committee has brought much needed attention to the matter and is already yielding positive results, saying “for a long time, we have struggled with illegal land acquisitions and encroachments that have threatened the safety and security of members of the University community. With the intervention of the High-Powered Committee, we are hoping that the University will be able to reclaim its land and enjoy a more conducive environment for Academic and infrastructural growth. We are highly appreciative of the Plateau State Government’s swift response to the issue of land grabbing within the University Campus.”

The Vice-Chancellor also reiterated the University’s commitment to working closely with the State Government and the Lands Committee to ensure that all land belonging to the institution is protected from further illegal activities. He emphasized that the University will continue to support the efforts to promote sustainable land use and environmental conservation, assuring of the University’s readiness to assist the Committee achieve its mandate.

Briefing the University Management on the Committee’s efforts to resolve issues of illegal land encroachment in the State, Chairman of the High-Powered Committee on Land Administration, Barr. Isaac Dimka, highlighted the progress made in resolving issues surrounding illegal land occupation and seizures which underscored the Committee's role in enforcing all legal frameworks that protect Government and institutional properties.

According to Barr. Dimka, they were at the University to reassure Management and the University community that the Plateau State Government is fully committed to protecting all institutional land and ensuring that no one unlawfully takes possession of such land. He explained that the Committee was set up to address land disputes across the State and has made significant strides in the case of Unijos. The Committee Chairman stressed that the Government is determined to restore order and ensure that rightful landowners, including institutions like Unijos, retain possession of their property.

Barr. Dimka also announced that as part of the Committee’s mandate, they would continue to monitor land use around the University and take action against illegal activities that threaten public and institutional land.

Meanwhile, the members of the Committee in company of officials of the University, undertook an inspection of land around the University Campus where Barr. Dimka explained that, in addition to tackling cases of land grabbing, the Committee is actively addressing the menace of illegal mining within the Campus and will not allow illegal activities to continue unchecked, especially because the land belongs to an Academic institution. For him, the operation should send a clear message to all illegal miners that they will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law because Government is committed to preserving the integrity of all institutional land by ensuring that it is used for its rightful purpose for the benefit of future generations.

During the inspection, the Committee, alongside officials of the University apprehended two (2) illegal miners who have been operating on the University’s land thereby contributing to environmental degradation around the mining site and posing security threat to members of the University community. They were promptly handed over to Security Personnel for prosecution.

Reacting to the development, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, described the Committee’s action as long overdue and stressed that illegal mining remains a serious concern to the University since the land is not meant for such activities. He expressed confidence that the State Government’s swift and decisive action will go a long way to restore peace and security to the University environment thereby allowing the institution to focus on its Academic mission and future development.

Signed

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information & Publications)