As public anxieties over the planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians continue to mount, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has advised vice chancellors of universities to ensure the security and safety of staff and students in the various institutions nationwide,
In a circular issued by the Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, dated July 28 and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, the minister also urged students to remain on campus and focus on their academic pursuits so as to avoid exposure to any potential danger during the planned protests.
According to him, the Federal Government is conscious of the rights of any Nigerian to peaceful protest but is concerned about the safety of staff, students, and universities’ assets in the case of any violent protest action.
In view of the potential risks of the planned protest to lives and properties, Mamman directed that vice chancellors of all universities in the country to take pro-active measures to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.
The minister stressed: “In addition, they 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”, he added.
