The National Universities Commission has directed the Vice Chancellors of universities to conclude arrangements for the immediate and full reopening, as the country witnesses a decline in COVID-19 infection rates.
The National Universities Commission (NUC), issued the directive via a memo signed by the Director, Directorate of the Executive Secretary’s Office, Chris Maiyaki on Tuesday. NUC said the Federal Ministry of Education has accepted its request for varsities to get set for immediate resumption of academic activities..
According to the commission, since the curve of coronavirus infections was declining, it is safe for reopening formalities to commence.
In the memo, NUC stated that varsities can now conclude their resumption arrangements as long as they are in line with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines and other existing NUC assurance and guidelines.
The memo reads in part: “Following the recent press briefing by the Presidential Task Force Team on COVID-19, to the effect that significant deadline in the reproduction number (R-value) for COVID-19 has been recorded in the country, the Federal Ministry of Education has accepted the request of the NUC to firm up arrangement towards the immediate resumption of academic activities.”
“Universities must continue to adhere to the safety protocols and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines which are very much in force. The decision to re-open institutions should not, in any way, diminish the importance attached to full compliance.
The commission said it would visit the universities from time to time in company of officials from the Federal Ministry of Education to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of physical facilities like lecture theatres, accommodation, healthcare facilities.
