By Mustapha Salisu, Kano
The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter has called on the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to urgently address the shortage of academic staff in the Arabic and Islamic Studies Unit of the University of Jos.
In a statement signed by the Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organisation expressed concern over reports of inadequate staffing in the unit, stressing the need for a lasting and sustainable solution to safeguard students’ access to quality education.
The commission noted that while efforts were reportedly underway to resolve the challenge, authorities should ensure prompt action to strengthen educational development, promote equal access to academic opportunities and prevent unnecessary tension.
IHRC-RFT described education as a fundamental human right protected under Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees the right to education for everyone. It also cited Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates the state to pursue policies that ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
According to the organisation, resolving the staffing challenge is consistent with both international human rights standards and Nigeria’s constitutional obligations.
Read Also: Plateau to Host Maiden Innovation Festival
The commission further highlighted the historical and security sensitivities of Jos and Plateau State, urging that issues capable of generating misunderstanding or public anxiety be handled through dialogue, fairness and responsible institutional action.
It said protecting the right to education while promoting peace, equality, non-discrimination and respect for cultural and religious diversity remains critical to sustaining social harmony and preventing actions that could undermine human rights.
IHRC-RFT therefore appealed to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the leadership of the National Assembly, the management of the University of Jos, the Plateau State Government and traditional institutions in Jos to work together toward an immediate and lasting resolution of the issue.
The organisation also called for the recruitment of qualified lecturers, the strengthening and preservation of Arabic and Islamic Studies programmes, and sustained commitment to fairness, inclusion, academic excellence and peaceful coexistence.
IHRC-RFT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting dialogue, protecting human rights, promoting access to quality education and advancing peace in line with internationally recognised human rights principles.