By Ahmad Deedat Zakari
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed that all universities in the country be shut down in order for students to exercise their franchise in the 2023 general election.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chris Maiyaki, issued the directives in a letter dated February 3 and addressed to universities’ vice-chancellors and directors.
According to the letter, the security of staff, students and the universities’ properties during the general elections is the reason for the closure.
Mr Maiyaki also stated that the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, gave the directive following consultation with relevant security agencies.
Part of the letter 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, 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.