The Federal Government has directed universities and other tertiary institutions to close for three weeks to enable students and staff to participate in the upcoming coming general elections.

The Federal Ministry of Education through the National Universities Commission (NUC) sent a memo to Vice Chancellors of the Universities to that effect.

The Deputy Executive Secretary of NUC, Chris Maiyaki, who signed the memo on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, reminded the Vice Chancellors that the 2023 general elections have been fixed for Saturday 25th February 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday 11th March 2023, for gubernatorial and state assembly, respectively.

“In view of the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of our respective institutions, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has following extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, directed that all Universities and Inter-University Centres be shutdown and academic activities suspended between 22nd February, and 14th March 2023.

“Consequently, Vice-Chancellors, as well as Directors/Chief Executives of inter-university centres, are by this Circular requested to shut down their respective institutions from Wednesday 22nd February 2023 to Tuesday 14th March 2023.https://280507671e96139a10aa150fc86008cb.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“Please, accept the renewed assurances of the Executive Secretary’s highest regard for your understanding and unwavering cooperation.”

A few weeks ago, concerns were raised that over three million students would not be able to participate in the coming general elections if schools are not closed and are allowed to travel to their different locations to participate in the exercise.

Source: The Sun