The Federal Government (FG) has ordered the closure of universities in order for students to participate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) gave the directive in a letter addressed to vice-chancellors and directors of universities.
NUC Deputy executive secretary (administration), Chris Maiyaki, said that the directive takes effect from Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
Maiyaki noted that the directive was based on a directive from Nigeria’s education minister Adamu Adamu.
“As Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Director/Chief Executive of Inter-University Centres are quite aware the 2023 General Elections have been scheduled to hold on Saturday February 25, 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday March 11, 2023 for Gubernatorial and State Assembly, respectively.
“In view of the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of the our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. Adama 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″, the statement partly read.
