NUC closes Universities for elections

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has ordered the closure of universities across the country to enable students to participate in the 2023 general elections.

This was disclosed in a letter addressed to Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Directors of inter-university centres.

NUC’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Chris Maiyaki said the directive followed an order by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu.

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“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. 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 February 22 and March 14, 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.

There have been calls from different individuals, groups and bodies for the closure of tertiary institutions to enable students to vote during the 2023 elections.