The Federal Ministry of Education has ordered vice-chancellors to ensure that federal, state and private universities in the country remain closed in order to keep students and university communities safe from coronavirus. This directive was from the National Universities Commission (NUC) through a circular by the Director, Directorate of the Executive Secretary’s Office, Chris Maiyaki.

The circular reads, “Vice-chancellors will please recall that following the ministerial directive of March 19, 2020, the NUC issued two circulars on Friday, March 20, to convey approval for the closure of institutions for a period of one month effective from Monday, March 23.

“The Federal Ministry of Education has subsequently directed on Friday, March 8, that all schools remain closed as the Federal Government is closely monitoring developments on the containment of the COVID-19. Vice-Chancellors are to ignore the fake news being circulated in social media as the situation is under constant review and any decision will be conveyed through the appropriate channels.

“I am therefore to forward herewith, a copy of the circular from the Federal Ministry of Education to vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities for guidance and full compliance.”

Recall that the National University Commission, on March 19, ordered the closure of tertiary institutions as part of the measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.