AS this year’s general elections draw near, National Universities Commission, has ordered the closure of universities across the country for three weeks to enable students to participate in the elections.
THE order is contained in a letter dated February 3, 2023 and addressed to Vice-Chancellors of all universities and directors of inter-university centres and signed by the commission’s Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Dr Chris Maiyaki.
IT noted that the decision was taken following the concerns expressed, on the security of staff, students and properties of the respective institutions.
THE order which was based on the directives of the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, is expected to take effect from 22 February and end 14th March, 2023 thereby suspending academic activities in all universities and inter university centres.
THIS directive is necessitated by the clarion calls from Nigerians for the closure of tertiary institutions to enable students to vote during the 2023 general elections slated for Saturday, February 25, for the Presidential and National Assembly, and Saturday, March 11, for Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.
BESIDE the issue of security, youth participation in democratic processes overall and in elections to be specific is very important. We therefore, commend the Federal Government and NUC for recognizing that effective participation of youth in politics is critical to democratic developments in our society.
WE passionately appeal to the teeming youths of this country, particularly students not to allow themselves to be lured into acts capable of jeopardizing the electoral process such as violence, thuggery, ballot snatching and the likes. They should conduct themselves orderly before, during and after elections.
