FG shuts down all universities, polytechnics

 

• To forestall spread of Coronavirus

 

BY OUR REPORTER

Sequel to a directive by the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed vice chancellors to shut down the universities, effective March 23, 2020, to mitigate the spread of coronavirus in the country.

The ministry, in a circular dated 19^th March, 2020 and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Sonny S. T. Echono, communicated government’s decision to close all tertiary institutions in the country to the heads of the various tertiary education agencies.

“I write to inform you that as part of measures to contain and prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the country, approval has been granted for the closure of all schools for a period of one (1) month, commencing from Monday, 23^rd March, 2020.

“Kindly notify all institutions under your supervision for immediate compliance,” the circular instructed.

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The circular with reference FME/PSE/HE/1041/C.1Vol.1/137 was directed specifically to Executive Secretary (NUC), Executive Secretary (NBTE), Executive Secretary (NCCE) and Director (BSE).

Consequently, in a circular dated 20^th March, 2020, the NUC informed all vice chancellors of government decision to close the universities and instructed them to ensure immediate compliance.

The NUC circular was signed on behalf of the Executive Secretary by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Academics), Dr Suleiman Ramon-Yusuf.