The federal government has ordered the nationwide shutdown of universities for three weeks in preparation for the next elections.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) informed vice-chancellors and directors of inter-university centres in a letter.
Chris Maiyaki, the NUC’s deputy executive secretary (administration), stated that the decision was issued in response to a mandate from the minister of education, Adamu Adamu.
Maiyaki stated that all universities will be closed from February 22 to March 14 to allow students to vote in the national election.
“As vice-chancellors of all universities and directors/chief executive officers of inter-university centres are well aware, the 2023 General Elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 25, 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday, March 11, 2023, for the Gubernatorial and State Assembly,” the statement reads.
“In light of the foregoing and the expressed concerns regarding the security of staff, students, and property of our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. Adamu Adamu, has, after extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, ordered that all Universities and Inter-University Centres be closed and academic activities be suspended between February 22 and March 14, 2023.
“Therefore, Vice-Chancellors and Directors/Chief Executives of inter-university centres are urged by this Circular to close their respective institutions from Wednesday, February 22, 2023 to Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
Please appreciate the Executive Secretary’s reaffirmation of his highest esteem for our continued collaboration and understanding.
