Nigeria shuts universities to enable 26 million students vote
The Nigerian government on Thursday directed universities to close down campuses and suspend academic activities starting February 22 to enable students to take part in the general elections slated for February 25.
Tertiary institutions regulator, National Universities Commission ordered the closure of university campuses across the nation in a letter addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centres.
The Commission noted that the directive comes on the heels of a directive from Education Minister, 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, February 25, 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday, March 11, 2023, for Gubernatorial and State Assembly, respectively.
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Continuing, it said, “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 are suspended between 22 February and 14th March 2023.
Therefore, he directed that “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 letter from the NUC read.
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No fewer than 26 million Nigerian students are registered to vote, so Nigeria shuts university campuses to enable them to vote.