By Wasiu Owolewa
Less than 15 days to 2023 general elections, the Federal Government through the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has directed that Universities and Inter Universities Centres be shut down and academic activities be suspended between 22nd February and 14th March, 2023 ahead of the upcoming general elections.
This directive was contained in the circular issued to Vice Chancellors of all Universities and Directors/Chief Executive of Inter University Centres by the National Universities Commission(NUC) which was made available on social media platforms.
According to the circular which was signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary(Administration) of the commission, Chris J. Maiyaki, the directive is imperative following the concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of respective institutions.
Part of the circular 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 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 staff of our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu has following extensive consultations with relevant security agencies, directed that all Universities and inter University Centres be shut down and academic activities be suspended activities be 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”