Minister of Education Adamu Adamu.
About a week after issuing a similar directive for the closure of all universities in the country over security concerns, the Federal Government on Monday directed all polytechnics in the country to shut down until after the forthcoming General Elections.
The latest directive was contained in a circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, directing the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Idris Bugaje, to communicate same to polytechnics’ Rectors and Provosts.
The letter from the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, which was signed by a Mr. I. O Folorunsho, and dated February 10, was obtained by journalists on Monday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The letter read: “In view of concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of our respective Institutions, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has, following extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, directed that all Polytechnics be shut down.
“And academic activities will be suspended between Wednesday, February 22 and Tuesday, March 14, 2023.”
The Minister had urged the NBTE Executive Secretary to communicate the directive to all the concerned institutions.
The News Room recalls that universities across the country had been directed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to be shut down from February 22 to March 14, 2023, for students to partake in the 2023 General Elections.
A circular to that effect, which was signed by the NUC Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr. Chris Mayaki, and sent to all Vice-Chancellors, had read:
“As Vice-Chancellors of all Universities and Directors/Chief Executives 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, 1st 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 respective institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam 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 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.
“Please, accept the renewed assurances of the Executive Secretary’s highest regards for your understanding and unwavering cooperation.”
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