Students in government Universities who were hoping to resume academic activities after the Christmas and New Year holidays, following the suspension of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, long months strike, will have to wait longer, .
This is because, the National Universities Commission, NUC, has issued a directive to all Universities to suspend academic activities, due to the second spread of Covid-19.
While the government has not detailed out clear Covid-19 protocols for the Universities, it had announced that all Schools should remain shut untill at least January 18.
The latest directive stopping physical academic activities, including all Private Universities not affected by the ASUU strike, thus means that untill a counter-directive is given by the NUC, all Universities will not resume academic activities.
The NUC called on Vice Chancellors of Universities not to allow any form of academic activities involving large crowds, to be organised or hosted on their campuses.
Details of the NUC directive was contained in a circular by Chris Maiyaki, the Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) of the Commission.
According to report, the NUC said that classrooms, hostel accommodation, conferences, and seminars, should be suspended.
It further directed that Universities should remain closed during this intervening period, pending further directive by Federal Government on the reopening of Schools.
It said: “Vice Chancellors are to please note that the directive is part of the measures approved by Mr. President, to mitigate the second wave of coronavirus infections in the country. The affected Officers are expected to perform their duties from home, while those on GL 13 and above, should strictly adhere to the extant preventive measures, including maintenance of physical distancing, regular washing of hands and/or sanitising of hands, wearing of face masks, and reducing the number of visitors to offices.”
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