FG Directs Closure Of Universities Over 2023 General Elections

• Nigerians are set to head to the polls on February 25 and March 11 to elect a new set of leaders.

• The federal government has moved to ensure that university students are not left out in the process of performing their civic responsibilities.

• Therefore, the government has directed universities to close for three weeks.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed a closure of universities across the country to enable students to participate in the 2023 general elections.

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The directive is contained in a letter the NUC addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centres.

According to the NUC, the commission communicated the closure to universities after it received a directive from the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

The letter says universities should be shut from Wednesday, 22nd February, 2023, to Tuesday, 14th March, 2023.

“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,” the NUC wrote.

“In view of the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of the 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 22 February and 14th March, 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 regurds for your understanding and unwavering cooperation.”

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Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows that over 26 million students are currently registered to vote in the 2023 general elections.

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