The National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) has confirmed the evacuation of 236 Lagos State students from Jos, following rising insecurity and threats to life.
The emergency evacuation followed a distress call received on Wednesday raising alarm over worsening security conditions in Jos.
NULASS National President, Hafiz Olufowobi, speaking with journalists explained that a five-member emergency response committee led by the Vice President II (Diaspora), Oluwadarasimi Lawal, was set up to coordinate rescue efforts.
The committee, he said, further engaged the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education through the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Mr. Olawale Samuel Kappo, to facilitate a safe evacuation.
At the University of Jos, the Dean of Student Affairs provided a verified database of 602 Lagos indigenes and residents. However, only 236 students were successfully processed for evacuation through a digital registration platform, amid panic and communication disruptions with security support provided by the Plateau State Police Command.
The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, ensured provision of buses and stipends to support the students throughout the journey with the students arriving Lagos on Sunday evening without any reported incident.
On arrival, they were received by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kasali Adeniran; and the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Student Affairs alongside members of the NULASS National Executive.
NULASS commended the Lagos State Government for its swift response and coordination in addressing the situation.
Reaffirming its commitment to student welfare, the group called on state governments across the country to take proactive measures to safeguard their citizens, particularly students, in times of crisis.