Jega says closure of schools is to ensure safety

Attahiru Jega, chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission says INEC’s request for the closure of schools during voter registration is to ensure greater security for students. Mr Jega told journalists in Abuja on Monday that there was a likelihood of complications if schools were allowed to be on during the exercise.

“Initially, we thought we could manage under the circumstances but it became very clear that the way we are mobilising for the voter registration and the way people are responding, we need to take extra measures in order to secure the pupils,” he said.

Mr Jega added that the move was also to ensure that there was no breach in terms of security and movement of INEC personnel and equipment for the conduct of the exercise. According to him, 70 per cent of primary and secondary schools to be used across the country for the exercise will also serve as stores for the equipment and camps for INEC personnel. He explained that with about three to 10 polling units in each school, where the exercise would take place, “there may be possible disruption of school activities because thousands of people will be going in to be registered. So we felt that in order to avoid this disruption, it is better that schools are closed during this period,” he said.

The INEC boss pleaded with state governors and parents to see reasons with the commission’s request, adding that it was in the interest of the nation and the security of the students.

“We have written to all state governors explaining reasons for the request and urging them to facilitate compliance,” Mr Jega said.

He further explained that there would be a difference if private schools were allowed to remain open and “it does not allow for equity.” He also said that “closing the school system does not mean that the students will lose the period. That is why we think it is easier to close all the schools the same time and re-open them about the same time so that they can all catch up in terms of the curriculum and the syllabus.”

He added that in order to ensure that there was no disequilibrium, it stood to reason that if INEC was advising for the closure of 70 per cent of the schools, “we may as well close all the schools for the duration.”

The INEC boss, however, noted that the commission was working closely with security agencies to ensure that the exercise was successful. The minister of state for education, Kenneth Gbagi, said that the move was taken as a preemptive measure to safeguard pupils and ensure that none of them were involved in any accident.

“Their safety was the basis of government acceding to INEC’s request that schools be closed for the exercise,” Mr Gbagi added.

Voter registration is to commence on Jan. 15 and end on Jan. 29.