NUC orders all universities to stop academic activities

The National Universities Commission, NUC has issued a directive to all universities to suspend academic activities due to the spread of COVID-19.

Nigeria is currently experiencing its second wave of COVID-19, with the country experiencing more new cases than ever. The over 5,000 new cases recorded last week was the highest weekly figure ever.

NUC orders all universities to stop academic activities
Lecturers in public universities, ASUU, had on Wednesday, suspended their nine months strike after an agreement with the government on university funding and other matters.

ASUU also said its members were ready to work as soon as the government puts COVID-19 protocols in place in the universities.

“As far as we are concerned, we are ready to resume work. Let the government do what is needed to ensure safety. We insist that the COVID-19 protocol should be observed,” ASUU president Biodun Ogunyemi said.

While the government has not spelt out clear COVID-19 protocols for the universities, it had announced that all schools should remain shut till at least January 18.

The latest directive stopping physical academic activities, including in private universities not affected by the ASUU strike, thus means that until a counter directive by the NUC, 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 organized or hosted on their campuses.