By Saheed Ibrahim
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Nigerian polytechnic students have commended the federal government for declaring three weeks holiday to allow them exercise their voting right in the coming 2023 elections.
The students, who spoke with The Hope, said the holiday, aside giving opportunity to vote, will also guarantee their safety should violence erupts.
Recall the Federal Ministry of Education, in a February 10 statement, declared that “In view of concerns expressed on the security of staff, students and properties of our respective Institutions, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has, following extensive consultations with the relevant security agencies, directed that all Polytechnics be shut down and academic activities will be suspended between Wednesday, Feb.22 and Tues. March 14, 2023,” the letter reads”.
Reacting to the statement, a student of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Isiaka Olamilekan said he and his colleagues would have the opportunity to participate in the coming elections.
His words, “For me I think am happy with this holiday, so far the election is coming next week and some students may want to vote.
“After the election, we are going to start our lecture properly. So, I feel the holiday is good and it is sure that everywhere may be tensed during the election, I feel happy about the election holiday.
Another student of the institution, Christiana Adewale said the holiday would guarantee the safety of the students during the election.
She added the holiday will allow the students stay with their parents for some times in view of the current cash crunch in the country.
Olanike Toyin also expressed readiness to vote in the coming elections, stating that, “the holiday is very important so that students can exercise their voting right.
“Without the election holiday, students will not be able to vote because each student registered in their local government areas.
Adebowale Bukola at the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti noted that students account for the largest population of registered voters for the 2023 elections; hence, the holiday will allow them to vote.
