According to The PUNCH, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has ordered the country's polytechnics and related institutions to close as the 2023 general elections get closer.
From Wednesday, February 22, 2023 to Tuesday, March 14, 2023, Adamu directed the closure of all polytechnics and related institutions. This came just a few days after the National Universities Commission asked all universities and inter-university centers to shut down and stop all academic activities at the same time to protect students, staff, and their belongings.
Adamu cited the "security concerns" expressed by staff and students as one of the reasons why all academic activities must be suspended in a ministry circular addressed to the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education.
In the circular dated February 10, 2023, titled "Ministerial directive on the closure of all polytechnics during the upcoming 2023 general elections," this information was made clear.
According to the circular, "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 be suspended between Wednesday (February 22, 2023) and Tuesday (March 14, 2023) in light of the concerns expressed on the security of staff, students, and property of our respective institutions."
Lawal Hafiz, Director of Human Resources for the National Board for Technical Education, penned a second letter titled "Re: The Sunday PUNCH-obtained ministerial directive, titled "Ministerial Directive on the Closure of All Polytechnics During the upcoming 2023 General Elections," acknowledged Adamu's orders.
“I am directed to refer you to the attached letter dated February 10, 2023, and to inform you that the Honourable Minister of Education has directed that all polytechnics and similar tertiary institutions be closed for the upcoming general elections from Wednesday, February 22 to Tuesday, March 14, 2023,” was one portion of the message. While wishing for peaceful elections, I am requesting that the directive be strictly adhered to.
