National Universities Commission (NUC) Orders Closure Of All Universities During General Elections

The National Universities Commission (NUC), an organ responsible for monitoring the activities of the nation’s universities, has ordered the closure of all the universities in the country during the forthcoming general elections.

This was contained in a letter issued by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) of NUC, Chris J. Maiyaki on behalf of it’s Executive Secretary, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, and dated February 3, 2023.

In the letter, which was addressed to all the Vice Chancellors of the Nigerian Universities, the NUC noted that “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 25th February, 2023, for the Presidential and National Assembly and Saturday 11th 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 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 22nd February and 14th March, 2023.”

All the Vice Chancellors as well as Directors/Chief Executives of Inter-University Centres were then requested to shut down their respective institutions as directed.