Universities extend start dates due to the postponement of elections

Academic activities at UNILAG and LASU will resume at a later time, it was announced in separate messages to the student bodies and employees of each institution.

Several institutions have delayed the dates for the start of academic activity since the gubernatorial and state legislature elections were moved to March 18th.

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used for the presidential and National Assembly elections two weeks ago needed to be reconfigured, thus the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced a one-week delay of the polls originally set for March 11.

Students and staff from several institutions were informed of the fresh start of academic activity in different notices.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, has authorised that the start of academic activities be delayed until Tuesday, March 21, 2023, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said in a Facebook post on Friday.

Nonetheless, all other university events, such as the opening lectures and meetings (apart from teaching), shall proceed as planned.

The university made notice of the Federal Government’s directive for students at higher education institutions across the nation to leave their institutions prior to the general elections in 2023.

As a result, from Tuesday, February 21, 2023, to Tuesday, March 14, 2023, teaching and other academic activities will be suspended, as agreed by the UNILAG Senate.

The institution urged students to conduct themselves in a safe, secure, orderly, respectful, and responsible manner in all of their interactions, both online and off.

In a same vein, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice Chancellor and Head of the Lagos State University (LASU) Senate, gave executive consent for the extension of the resumption date on Thursday on behalf of the governing body.

Olatunji-Bello also gave the order for classes to restart for everyone on Tuesday, March 21, and for exams to proceed on Wednesday, March 22.

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The Senate conducted an emergency meeting on Monday, February 13, regarding the ministerial order on the closure of all institutions and Inter-University Centers for the 2023 general elections, according to the institution managed by the Lagos State Government.

But on Thursday, February 23, during its 295th statutory meeting, the governing body went through the choice.

The Vice Chancellor reiterated that when resumed operations, other university activities should proceed as normal.

She stated that this is “with special attention to the University’s other important services and staff members’ supply of skeletal services from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.”

Students who have enrolled for permanent voter cards (PVCs) and “have their polling unit (24 – 17 -05 – 065) at the open area at LASU entrance should be permitted to exercise their franchise,” she claims, are also affected by the activities.

Also, Kwara State University informed stakeholders in a post on Tuesday that it will reopen on Wednesday, March 15.

“Academic activities resume on the abovementioned day while the Harmattan semester examinations will start on Monday, March 20, 2023,” the announcement signed by Registrar Dr. Kikelomo Sallee said.