NUC orders closure of all universities from February 22nd due to the general elections

The Nigerian University Commission (NUC) based on the directive from the Ministry of Education has directed that all universities be closed from Wednesday 22 February 2023 to Tuesday 14 March 2023. This is because of the upcoming 2023 General Elections. The Presidential and National Assembly election will hold on Saturday 25 February 2023, while that of Gubernatorial and State Assembly will hold Saturday 11 March 2023.

This directive by the NUC was contained in a circular sent to Vice Chancellors of the various universities.

The circular reads, “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 22th 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 your understanding and unwavering cooperation”