FG directs closure of varsities for 3 weeks over elections
The Federal Government has ordered all Universities to close down and suspension of academic activities from February 22 to March 14, 2023 ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
The Informant247 understands that more than 40.8% of registered voters are students.
This could have been done to ensure that the the students cast their votes during the general elections.
This was revealed in a circular dated February 3, 2023 and sent to all heads of tertiary institutions on Thursday.
The circular was signed by the NUC Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Dr Chris Maiyaki.
He said the decision was taken due to concerns about the security and safety of the staff, students and facilities of the respective schools.
The circular partly reads: “As Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Directors Chief Executives 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 the 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.”
