In the face of the ongoing strike embarked upon by lecturers, the Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the directive it issued earlier asking the management of Vice-Chancellors in universities ‘to ensure that the striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) resume and commence lectures immediately.’
This decision was contained in a letter signed by the Director, Finance, and Accounts of National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Abubakar Rasheed, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that the Federal Government had Monday ordered Vice-Chancellors in universities to re-open schools and to allow students to resume lectures.
The FG had called on the pro chancellors and vice-chancellors to ensure that the striking lecturers resume and commence lectures immediately.
Read Also: ASUU Strike: Respect Court Ruling First – FG Urges Lecturers
The FG’s directive had caused confusion for the university management as the vice-chancellors were unsure of how to go about the decision.
But the new letter by the National Universities Commission (NUC), which was addressed to the pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors of the federal universities is titled; ‘Withdrawal of Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 Dated 23rd September 2022.’
The new letter referenced NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136 and dated 26 September, partly read; ‘I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission (NUC) circular Ref, NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 and dated 23rd September 2022 on the above subject. Consequently, the said Circular stands withdrawn.
‘All Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of Governing Councils, as well as Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities, are to please note. Further development and information would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.’
The letter, however, did not give reasons for the withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the federal government of Nigeria has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to obey the National Industrial Court ruling and call off its seven-month strike.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, issued this advice while fielding questions from journalists on the margins of the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and the Official Launch of the Nigeria Integrated National Financing Framework Report (NIFF).
Africa Today News, New York reports the industrial court on Wednesday ordered ASUU to call off its ongoing nationwide strike, pending the determination of a suit filed by the Federal Government.
The federal government had dragged the lecturers to court in a bid to end the strike.