Protest: Federal Gov’t Mandates VCs To Protect Staff, Students, Others

The Federal Ministry of Education has directed all Vice Chancellors in universities across the country to guarantee the protection of their staff, students and infrastructures in their respective institutions.

The directive was contained in a circular on Monday, signed by the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki ahead of the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024 over economic hardship in the country.

Maiyaki who acknowledged the right of citizens to peacefully protest also expressed fears about the potential for the protest to snowball into violence.

The circular titled: “Urgent Arrangements for the Security and Safety of University Staff, Students and Property During the Proposed Nationwide Protests”, followed 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 proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.”

NUC also recommended that Vice-Chancellors should issue specific statements to assure the staff and students of their safety.

The circular also advised that students remain on campus to focus on their academic pursuits to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.