As a nationwide protest is set to commence on August 1, several universities across Nigeria have cautioned their students to avoid the nationwide protest against bad governance.
Bayero University Kano (BUK), Federa University Kashere, (FUK), Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) Bauchi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria have all released statements urging students and staff to remain calm and avoid participating in the protest, emphasizing the importance of safety and order.
In their separate statements, the institutions assured their communities of safety and the continuation of academic activities.
BUK’s Deputy Registrar of Public Affairs, Lamara Garba, said that adequate security measures are in place to protect lives and property on all campuses.
The management acknowledged the right to peaceful assembly but warned against potential disruptions, advising staff and students to exercise caution.
The university also stated that any attempt to disrupt the peace would result in strict disciplinary action. Members of the university community were urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
In FUK, the Vice chancellor, Professor Umaru Pate, advised students to remain on campus, which he said, will provide the safest environment during the protest.
Similarly, SAZU has advised its students to refrain from participating in the forthcoming protest.
The Dean of Students Affairs emphasized that students should monitor the situation closely and await further directives from the university. The institution stressed the importance of maintaining calm during this period.
At ATBU, the management assured students at both Yelwa and Gubi campuses that their safety is a top priority. In a statement issued by the University Public Relations Officer, Malam Zailani Bappah, it confirmed that normal academic activities would continue without interruption.
The statement urged students to remain on campus, focus on their studies, and avoid actions that might compromise their safety.
ABU Zaria also cautioned its community to exercise extreme caution during the planned protests.
The University management, in a memo sighted by WikkiTimes, acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful protest but expressed concern for the well-being of its staff, students, and property.
The university assured the community of their safety and advised students to stay on campus to avoid any potential dangers associated with the demonstrations.
These universities join a growing list of institutions taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their students and staff during the planned protests.
