Elections: FG orders three-week closure of universities

Elections: FG orders three-week closure of universities

In preparation for the upcoming February 25 and March 11, 2023, general elections, the Federal Government has ordered all universities and inter-university centres to close, with academic activities being suspended from February 22 to March 14.

The decision will permit the more than 3.8 million registered voters—or 40.8% of students—to participate in the elections.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) issued a circular on Thursday, dated February 3, 2023, that was sent to all vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities and directors/chief executives of inter-university centres.

NUC Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Dr Chris Maiyaki, who signed the circular, confirmed that the decision was also taken following the concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of the respective institutions.

The circular reads in parts: “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 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 are 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.”

Elections: FG orders three-week closure of universities