The National Universities Commission, NUC, has directed the closure of all universities in the country between February 22nd and March 14, 2023.
The regulatory body for universities in the country said that there would be no academic activities during the period of the closure of the tertiary institutions
The NUC’s directive was contained in a letter signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Chris Maiyaki to vice-chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centres.
The Commission said that directive was based on instructions from the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.
Maiyaki stated in the letter that the Minister of Education took the decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies.
It was stated that the Minister’s decision was a product of concerns about the security of staff, students and even properties of the institutions.
“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 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 February 22 and March 14, 2023.
“Consequently, Vice-Chancellors and 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.
“Please, accept the renewed assurances of the Executive Secretary ‘s highest regard for your understanding and unwavering cooperation”, the letter read.
The Network gathered that the NUC decision was a response to the growing call by members of the public to allow 26 million Nigerian students to vote during the election.
The students were said to have registered in their various areas of residence during the last industrial action of the Academic Staff Union of Universities which lasted eight months in 2022.
