Election Postponement: Universities Modify Resumption Plans

Several universities have pushed back their resumption dates for academic activities due to the postponement of the governorship and state assembly elections to March 18.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had originally scheduled the elections for March 11, but later announced a one-week delay to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used during the presidential and National Assembly elections held two weeks prior.

In response to the postponement, students and staff at various universities were notified of the new academic resumption dates through separate notices.

Lagos State University (LASU)

The Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the Lagos State University (LASU) Senate, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, recently announced the extension of the resumption date for the institution. The governing body granted executive approval for the extension, with all students now expected to resume on Tuesday, March 21. Examinations will continue on Wednesday, March 22.

The decision to extend the resumption date came after an emergency meeting of the Senate on Monday, February 13, in response to the ministerial directive on the closure of all universities and Inter-University Centres for the 2023 general elections. However, the governing body reviewed the decision at its 295th statutory meeting on Thursday, February 23, and approved the extension of the resumption date.

The Vice Chancellor emphasized that other activities of the university should continue to run upon resumption. She directed that staff members should provide skeletal services from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, while other essential services should also be provided by the University.

In addition, the activities of students who have registered for their permanent voter cards (PVCs) and have their polling unit (24 – 17 -05 – 065) at the open space at LASU gate should be allowed to exercise their franchise, according to the Vice Chancellor.

Overall, the extension of the resumption date for LASU is aimed at ensuring that students and staff have ample time to prepare for the upcoming academic activities. The provision of skeletal services and other essential services by the University upon resumption also demonstrates the institution’s commitment to maintaining continuity in its operations.

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced the postponement of academic activities until Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in a Facebook post on Friday. The approval for the postponement was granted by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, on behalf of the University Senate.

However, all other activities of the university, including inaugural lectures and meetings (excluding teaching), should continue as scheduled, according to the post. The postponement is due to the directive from the Federal Government that students of higher institutions across the country should vacate their schools ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The UNILAG Senate had earlier approved the suspension of teaching and related academic activities from Tuesday, February 21, 2023, to Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in line with the government’s directive. The decision to extend the suspension period was made to give students and staff ample time to prepare for the resumption of academic activities.

The university also implored members of the university community to remain safe, security-conscious, orderly, civil, and responsible in their utterances and engagements, both online and offline. This serves as a reminder of the institution’s commitment to promoting a safe and secure environment for all members of its community.

Overall, the postponement of academic activities by UNILAG is aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its students and staff during the general elections. The continuation of other activities of the university demonstrates the institution’s commitment to maintaining continuity in its operations, despite the temporary suspension of teaching and related academic activities.

Kwara State University (KWASU)

On Tuesday, Kwara State University announced its reopening date as Wednesday, March 15, 2022, in a post notifying stakeholders. The statement signed by Registrar Dr. Kikelomo Sallee confirmed that academic activities would resume on the same date, with the Harmattan semester examinations scheduled to begin on Monday, March 20, 2023. The announcement provides clarity on the academic calendar and allows students and staff to prepare for the upcoming activities.

Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)

Nasarawa State University has announced the postponement of its resumption date for the 2022/2023 academic session. In a circular shared on Facebook on Friday, the Registrar, Bala Ahmed II, stated that the earlier resumption date of Tuesday, March 14, had been shifted to Sunday, March 19.

According to the circular, students are now expected to return to campus on Sunday, March 19, 2023, with lectures resuming the next day, Monday, March 20, 2023. This postponement provides students with additional time to prepare for the upcoming academic activities.

The Registrar also advised all members of the University Community to note the information and comply accordingly, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the new resumption date. This serves as a reminder of the institution’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for all members of its community.

Overall, the postponement of the resumption date by Nasarawa State University is aimed at ensuring that students have ample time to prepare for the upcoming academic activities. The Registrar’s directive for all members of the University Community to comply with the new resumption date is a demonstration of the institution’s commitment to maintaining order and continuity in its operations.

Benue State University (BSU) & FUAM

MySchoolGist has gathered that the Benue State University (BSU) and the Federal University of Agriculture, both located in Makurdi and situated in the north-central region of Nigeria, have shifted their resumption dates to March 20, 2022. This move provides additional time for students to prepare for the upcoming academic activities.