The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, has ordered every member of Staffs of the University who own cows on campus to relocate them immediately.
Prof. Maimako gave the order during a symposium themed, ‘Herdsmen-farmers clashes today: Ecology, class and categorical politics in contemporary Nigeria’, organised by the the institution’sbranch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities on Monday.
Claiming that the presence of cows on campus had often caused o serious friction between the institution’s management and the students union, Maimako said, “Today in this country we have a challenge, which is the persistent clash between farmers and herdsmen over grazing by cows. About a month ago, a student posted a comment on Facebook in which he accused us of not doing our best to rid the campus of cows.
“His post suggested that the campus is littered with faeces, while cattle graze everywhere. To us, he was indirectly inciting the students against us; accusing us of refusing to take care of students and telling us to confront the cattle breeders.
“We have had a series of meetings with the herdsmen we know and what we were told is that the cows grazing on campus were from somewhere and not within. But, till now, they have never disappeared. I have told the students union that what we need is diplomacy to pursue this matter and not confrontation. I told them that we need dialogue.
“I am told that some of the owners are members of the staff of this university. But I don’t know them. If you are a member of the UNIJOS staff and you have cows, please relocate them elsewhere. Our prayer for this country is that we should remain united. For me, this matter of grazing is not an issue that will divide and tear this country apart.”
“His post suggested that the campus is littered with faeces, while cattle graze everywhere. To us, he was indirectly inciting the students against us; accusing us of refusing to take care of students and telling us to confront the cattle breeders.
“We have had a series of meetings with the herdsmen we know and what we were told is that the cows grazing on campus were from somewhere and not within. But, till now, they have never disappeared. I have told the students union that what we need is diplomacy to pursue this matter and not confrontation. I told them that we need dialogue.
“I am told that some of the owners are members of the staff of this university. But I don’t know them. If you are a member of the UNIJOS staff and you have cows, please relocate them elsewhere. Our prayer for this country is that we should remain united. For me, this matter of grazing is not an issue that will divide and tear this country apart.”
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