Nigerian gov’t orders 3-week closure of varsities ahead of general election
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has directed all universities in the country to effect a three weeks holiday period to enable students fully participate in the February/March general election.
This was announced in a circular issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC), on Thursday, in Abuja.
The affected universities are to remain shut between the 22nd of February and the 14th of March, 2023.
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The circular which was addressed to Vice Chancellors of all Universities and Directors, Chief Executive of Inter-University Centres reads, “as Vice-Chancetlors of all Universities and Directors 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 11th 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 Minister of Education, 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 are suspended between 22 February and 14” 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”.
Similarly, Yobe State Government has declared 18 day holiday for schools across the state to enable students and teachers to exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming general elections.
A letter signed by the director of Schools Management Committee, Bukar M. Modu in Damaturu stated, “I wish to convey the approval of the commissioner for 18 days holidays from 23rd February 2023 to 13th March 2023 to enable students and teachers to exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.”
The letter said the break was in consideration of the distance of some students, especially exchange programme students, from polling centres. However, 10 days will be deducted from the Third Term holiday.
He added, “To recover the 10 days, students are to break for the Third Term holiday from Tuesday 15th August instead of Friday 4th August 2023 as earlier scheduled in the calendar.
“The commissioner wishes all students and teachers hitch-free elections, students have been cautioned not to be used as thugs for the benefit of anybody.
“Yobe State government is committed to their welfare and shall continue to provide qualitative education for their future,” Modu said.
Recall that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, gave assurance that the conduct of the election was sacrosanct, irrespective of challenges occasioned by fuel and money scarcity in the country.
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