Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Minister of Education Tahir Mamman has directed vice-chancellors of universities to take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.
A statement yesterday by the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Chris Maiyaki asked vice-chancellors to issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety. “Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students,” the statement read.
“In addition, Vice-Chancellors are to please issue specific statements to assure staff and students of their safety. It is also advisable that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.” The statement advised that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests. It said the Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerians to peaceful protest but is concerned about the safety of staff, students, and university property should there be any protest action.
