Education Minister orders all universities to shutdown for upcoming elections

By Ngozi Nwankwo

As the general elections draw closer, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu has directed that all Universities and Inter University Centres be shut down and academic activities be suspended between 22nd February and 14th March, 2023.

This was contained in a statement signed by Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) For: Executive Secretary National Universities Commission, Dr

Chris J. Maiyaki, in Abuja on Thursday.

The statement said  Vice- Chancellors of all universities and Directors/ Chief Executive of Inter University Centres have been directed to shut down followed the foregoing and concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of the Nigerian respective institutions.

"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 22nd 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 14 March 2023.

"Please, accept the renewed assurances of the Executive Secretary's highest regards for our understanding and unwavering cooperation," it stated.