Nigerian universities will be shut down from February 22 to March 14, 2023, to allow students participate in the upcoming elections.
The directive issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to shut down campuses came in form of a letter addressed to the vice-chancellors of all Nigerian universities.
In the letter, the NUC also explained that the decision was taken by Minister of Education, Adama Adamu, after extensive consultations with relevant security agencies, in order to secure university students, staff and facilities.
The statement read in part; “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 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 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.”