…..Disregards NANS Proposal
By CLEMENT NWOJI, Abuja
The Federal Government has ordered for the closure of all Universities and Inter-University Centres with effect from February 22 to March 14, 2023 against the backdrop of the forthcoming general elections.
A circular to this effect from the National Universities Commission (NUC) was signed by Chris J. Maivaki Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) on behalf of the. Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, to all Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities as well as to the
Directors/Chief Executive of Inter University Centres.
The total closure of Nigerian Universities instead of suspension of academic activities within the election timeframe is against NANS earlier proposal.
OPTIMUM TIMES recalls that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) had last month canvassed that the Federal government should halt academic activities in various tertiary institutions of higher learning within the period of election to give room for students to travel and participate in the voting exercise.
NANS had cited that going by figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the student population constitute a greater number of voters, arguing that the some students registered either within the Campus premises or at their various locations.
Further NANS argued that closure of the various campuses instead of suspension of academic activities, will amount to disenfranchising those who registered within the Campuses as well as subjecting those students to traveling unnecessarily and possibly endangering their lives.
NAN had also asked the Federal government to secure the various campuses to guarantee the safety of those who registered within the camps to stay and vote.
But the NUC in the circular tagged “Ministerial directive”, stated:
“As Vice-Chancellors 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 25 February 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday 11 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 the our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. 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 be suspended between 22 February and 14th 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 14th March 2023.”
The full text of the circular reads below:
NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION
PROF. ABUBAKAR RASHEED, LMFR.FNAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
TEL: +234 802 7455412-13, 703 9254081-2) FAX: 07098212004
AJA NWACHUKWU HOUSE, NO 26, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA DISTRICT,
P.M.B 237, GARKI G.PO, ABUJA-NIGERIA.
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT
NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/178
3 February, 2023
All Vice-Chancellors Nigerian Universities
Directors/Chief Executive Inter University Centres
MINISTERIAL DIRECTIVE ON THE CLOSURE OF ALL UNIVERSITIES AND INTER UNIVERSITY CENTRES DURING THE UPCOMING 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS
As Vice-Chancellors 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 25 February 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday 11 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 the our respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Mal. 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 be suspended between 22 February and 14th 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 14th March 2023.
Please, accept the renewed assurances of the Executive Secretary’s highest regards for
your understanding and unwavering cooperation
Chris J. Maivaki Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) For: Executive Secretary
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