By Felix Khanoba
The Federal Ministry of Education has instructed all Vice Chancellors of universities nationwide to ensure the protection of their staff, students, and infrastructure in anticipation of the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, 2024, over economic hardships.
In a circular issued on Monday and signed by Dr. Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), universities were directed to prioritize security measures.
This directive followed concerns that the protest could potentially escalate into violence, despite the acknowledged right of citizens to peacefully protest.
The circular, titled “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests,” was issued under the directive of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
“The Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests. The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest but is concerned about the safety of staff, students, and university property should there be any protest action,” the circular stated.
Vice Chancellors have been urged to take proactive steps to secure their university communities, and issue statements reassuring staff and students of their safety.
The NUC also advised students to remain on campus and focus on their academic activities to avoid potential dangers associated with the planned protests.
