Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Ministry of Education, has issued a circular to all Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities mandating them to guarantee the protection of staff, students and public infrastructures in their respective domains in view of the hardship national protest billed for August 1,this year.
The circular,issued through the National Universities Commission NUC, and signed by the Acting Executive Secretary, Dr Chris Maiyaki on Monday, morning acknowledged the right for citizens to protest but expressed fears about the potentials for violence.
The circular titled: “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests”, emanated following the directive of the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
It reads, ” 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.
“Consequently, the Honourable Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take pro-active steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.
“In addition,Vice- Chancellors 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”.
