The National Univerities Commission (NUC), the regulatory agency for universities in Nigeria, has ordered a closure of universities across the country, to allow students to participate in the 2023 general elections.
This was contained in a letter addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centres. The NUC said that the directive was based on the instruction of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.
“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 directed that all Universities and Inter-University Centres be shut down and academic activities be suspended between 22 February and 14th March, 2023”, the statement read.
There has been calls by individuals and some political parties including the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party for universities to be closed to allow the students vote during the elections.
Last year, the students spent eight months at home because of the nationwide strike action embarked upon by their lecturers. The period of the strike coincided with the time the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC), was conducting voters’ registration and most of the students must have registered at their homes.