Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed vice chancellors to close universities across the country for the upcoming 2023 elections.
This was contained in a circular dated February 3, and addressed to all vice chancellors. The letter was signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Dr Chris J. Maiyaki, on behalf of the NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Abubakar Rasheed.
“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 circular read.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) data, over 26 million students are currently registered to vote in the 2023 elections.
