In a move to ensure the safety of students and staff, Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, has advised students in Nigerian universities to remain on campus during the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.
The minister, through the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, issued a directive to Vice-Chancellors of universities, urging them to take proactive steps to safeguard the university community.
The planned protests, which have gained traction on social media have prompted concerns from the government about the potential risks to students and university property. The presidency and police authorities have already called on youths to abandon the plan.
In the letter addressed to Vice-Chancellors, the minister emphasized that while the government recognizes the right of Nigerians to engage in peaceful protests, it is concerned about the safety of staff, students, and university property should the protests turn violent. As a result, Vice-Chancellors have been instructed to issue specific statements assuring staff and students of their safety on campus.
The minister’s directive comes at a time when the education sector is facing various challenges, including infrastructure deficits, inadequate funding, and the need for curriculum reforms. Academics have expressed their expectations from the new education minister, urging him to address critical issues such as university autonomy, staff welfare, and the need for a rethinking of the philosophy of university education in 21st-century Nigeria.
