By Ayo Kehinde
Ahead of the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1st, the federal government has directed Vice Chancellors of universities to tighten security in their various campuses.
The #EndBadGovernance protest, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, from August 2-10, to protest the current economic hardship in the country.
While the Federal Government has in the last few days deployed a series of diplomatic measures, as well as threats of force to avert the planned protest, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman in a letter addressed to the universities through the Acting Executive National Secretary, National University Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, directed the Vice Chancellors to take other proactive measures to protect the school environment, its properties and staff.
The letter reads: “The Honourable Minister of Education has directed that the attention of Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities be formally drawn to the plan by unknown groups to embark on nationwide protests.
“The Federal Government is not unaware of the right of any Nigerian to peaceful protest, but is concerned about the safety of staff, students and university property should there be any protest action.
“Consequently, the Minister has directed that Vice-Chancellors of all Nigerian Universities should take proactive steps to ensure the security and safety of the university community, including staff and students.
“In addition, Vice-Chancellors 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. Please accept the renewed assurances of my highest considerations and best wishes.”
