By Adadainfo
Nigerian universities will be closed down during the 2023 general elections to enable students to participate in the polls.
The directive was given by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in a letter addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centres.
The order originated from Nigeria’s minister of education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.
The letter read, “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 25th February 2023 for the presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday 1st March 2023 for gubernatorial and state Assembly, respectively.
“In view of the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and property 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 22nd February and 14th March, 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 regards for your understanding and unwavering cooperation.”
It was gathered that about twenty-six million students registered to vote during the polls. Analysts had expressed fear because a majority of them faced disenfranchisement, having registered when members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities were on strike, hence many students registered outside their school environs.
