To enable the huge student population exercise their franchise during the elections, the National University Commission (NUC) has directed all universities in the country to shut down their institutions starting from February 22nd to March 14th, 2023. This was contained in a letter written to all Vice Chancellors of all the universities by Chris J.
To enable the huge student population exercise their franchise during the elections, the National University Commission (NUC) has directed all universities in the country to shut down their institutions starting from February 22nd to March 14th, 2023.
This was contained in a letter written to all Vice Chancellors of all the universities by Chris J. Maiyaki Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) on Thursday, stating that the directive was given by the Minister of Education Mallam Adamu Adamu.
The directive came after several calls by students associations and some Civil Society Organisation to the NUC and the Independent National Electoral Commission, with the demands that students of tertiary institutions be given academic break, which would enable them to participate in the coming elections.
In the letter, the NUC stated that the Minister of Education has extensively consulted with the security and other relevant agencies before the decision was made.
The letter reads : “As Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Directors Chief Executive of Inter University Centres are quite aware, the 2023 General Elections have been scheduled to hold on Saturday 25 February 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday 11 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 Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. Adamu Adamu has, following extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, directed that all Universities and Inter University Centres be shut down and academic activities be suspended between 22 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 22 February 2023 to Tuesday 14 March 2023,
“Please, accept the renewed assurances of the Executive Secretary’s highest regards for our understanding and unwavering cooperation”
