In her bid to promote civil engagement, National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed universities across the country to close between February 22 and March 14, to enable students to participate in the forthcoming general elections.
This suspension is to ensure that students have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, while also allowing universities to maintain a safe learning environment.
Bill Gates Romances Paula Hurd, widow of former Oracle CEO
Some Nigerians and political parties had appealed to the government to close schools to enable students of voting age to exercise their right to vote in this year’s elections.
To promote civic engagement, the government granted the request, allowing students to take part in the important democratic process.
However, according to SaharaReporters, the NUC has heeded the calls as revealed in a letter addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centers.
It noted that the decision followed extensive consultations by the education minister, Adamu Adamu with security agencies.
The circular reads, “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.
“Given 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 are suspended between 22nd February and 14th March 2023.
“Consequently, Vice-Chancellors and chief executives of inter-university centers, are by this Circular requested to shut down their respective Institutions from Wednesday 22nd February 2023 to Tuesday 14th March 2023.”
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
