The National Universities Commission, NUC, has ordered the closure of all universities in Nigeria following the upcoming 2023 general election.
The news was made known through a statement signed by the deputy executive secretary of the commission, Chris .J. Maiyaki, on Thursday February.
According to the statement, the closure will kick off between February 22, 2023 and March 14, 2023.
It also said that the decision was made to enable students to participate in the 2023 general elections
Maiyaki said the decision followed concerns about the security of staff, students and the universities’ properties during the general elections.
There have been controversies over whether schools should in session during the elections.
“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 February 22 and March 14, 2023.
The Commission said the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, gave the directive following consultation with relevant security agencies.
