Nigerian universities have been closed since February after lecturers accused the government of reneging on an agreement on their allowances and improved funding for public universities.

On Tuesday, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, tweeted pictures of himself while at Harvard on a leadership course.

He said: “Back to class. In a leadership course at @Harvard @Kennedy_School. Forget the number of grey hairs one is never too old to learn, broaden or sharpen your skills.”

https://twitter.com/femigbaja/status/1551900157700194310

The photos drew angry reactions from university students.

The Speaker apologised on Wednesday, although the photos remain on his Twitter account.

"That post was not sensitive to the present feelings of fellow citizens, especially parents and students who are presently bearing the brunt of the ongoing closure of public universities," he said.

“I apologise for the post at this time, and I hope you will understand that it was not my intention to cause disaffection," he added.