‘Remain on campus to avoid danger during protests’, Education Minister advises students

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education has The minister also urged students in Nigerian universities to remain on campus and focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the nationwide protest billed to begin on 1 August.

The Minister also directed Vice Chancellors to take steps that will ensure security and safety of staff and students on campus during the protest.

This is contained in a circular issued by the Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, dated July 28 and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

“The Federal Government is not unaware of the rights of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.

“Consequently, the minister has directed that vice chancellors of all Nigerian universities to take pro-active steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.

“In addition, they 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 so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests,” the circular reads. (NAN)