Security: NUC directs closure of Universities as INEC meets VCs over 2023 General Elections 

*Adamu Adamu, Minister for Education, directs Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities and Directors of inter-university centres to close campuses and suspend academic activities between 22 February and March 14

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In order to encourage University students to participate in the February 25 and March 11 General Elections besides security concerns in the policy, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed the closure of universities February 22, 2023, throughout Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect learnt the directive was contained in a letter Malam Adamu Adamu, Honourable Minister for Education, addressed to Vice-Chancellors of all universities and Directors of inter-university centres.

INEC leadership meet with Federal University Vice-Chancellors    Photo: Channels TV 

The NUC affirmed the directive is based on the instruction of the Minister of Education.

The University, therefore, have been directed to shut down and suspend academic activities between February 22 and March 14 for students to actively participate in the polls.

The letter partly stated: “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 property 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.”

INEC assures Varsity VCs of security

ConsumerConnect reports

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has allayed  fears of some of the Vice-Chancellors over insecurity during this year’s elections in the country.

Yakubu gave the assurance in a meeting with the VCs of Federal Universities.

The INEC Chairman, however, urged the University administrators to do a proper background check to avoid enlisting staff affiliated with political parties or having any history of partisanship before forwarding their names to the Commission for assistance in the elections.

The Commission also said it would embark on its own investigation of names forwarded by the universities for the purpose of the elections.

He assured them, that comprehensive security plans had been mapped out for the safety of all staff, media, youth corps members, and everyone who comes out to vote.

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