FG shuts polytechnics, colleges over polls

As the 2023 general elections draw ever closer, the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, has ordered the closure of all polytechnics and allied institutions in the country, The PUNCH reports.Adamu ordered that from Wednesday, February 22 to Tuesday, March 14, 2023, all polytechnics and other allied institutions must shut down. This came a few days after the National Universities Commission asked all universities and inter-university centres to shut down and suspend all academic activities within the same period to ensure the security of staffs, students and their property.In a circular by the ministry, addressed to the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Adamu noted that the “security concerns” expressed by staff and students were part of the reasons why all academic activities must be suspended.This was communicated in the circular, dated February 10, 2023, titled, ‘Ministerial directive on the closure of all polytechnics during the upcoming 2023 general elections’.The circular noted, “In view of the concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and property 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 be suspended between Wednesday (February 22, 2023) and Tuesday (March 14, 2023).”Meanwhile, another letter signed by the Director, Human Resources, National Board for Technical Education, Lawal Hafiz, titled, “Re: Ministerial directive on the closure of all polytechnics during the upcoming 2023 general elections”, obtained by Sunday PUNCH, acknowledged Adamu’s orders.It partly read, “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 and Tuesday, March 14, 2023. While hoping for peaceful elections, I am to request you to ensure strict compliance with the directive, please.”