FG Orders Shut Down of Universities Ahead General Elections

As the general elections draw closer, the Federal Government has announced that all Nigerian universities and inter-university centres will be closed between February 22, 2023 and March 14, 2023.

Investors King recalls that the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) had earlier demanded the closure of schools for students to vote in the forthcoming elections as some already registered at home during the last prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

In a circular signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Administration, National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr Chris Maiyaki, dated February 3, Universities were directed to suspend academic activities for three weeks.

The NUC circular was sent to all Vice-Chancellors of universities and directors/chief executives of inter-university centres on the directive of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

This decision, according to the federal government was to ensure the security of staff, students and properties of the academic institutions.

The notice titled– ‘Ministerial directive on the closure of all universities and inter-university centres during the upcoming 2023 general elections,’ urged all universities to comply with the vacation directive during the election period.

It read, “As Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Directors Chief Executives of Inter-University Centres you are quite aware, the 2023 General Elections have been scheduled to hold on Saturday, 25th of February 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday, 11th of 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, Malam 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 be suspended between 22nd 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.”

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi had earlier called for the closure of tertiary institutions to allow over three million registered students exercise their franchise during the forthcoming elections.