By 
By Charles Nwabardi
The Federal Government, has withdrawn its order to vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors and governing councils to re-open federal universities across the country.
The circular tagged NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135, was addressed to all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities, ordering them to re-open universities.
However, in a follow up circular numbered NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136, and signed by the Director, Finance and Account of the NUC, Sam Onazi, the commission withdrew its earlier order.
Although, the commission did not give reasons for the new circular, the letter partly read;
“I have been directed to withdraw the NUC Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135, and dated September 23, 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“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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.
“Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary’s warmest regards.”
Earlier on Monday morning, the Federal Government had directed Vice-Chancellors of Federal Universities to reopen and resume lectures.
The letter, addressed to all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities, was signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof Abubakar Rasheed.
“Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses,” the letter reads.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities has been on strike for about seven months now.
The association is demanding from FG the funding of the Revitalisation of Public Universities, Earned Academic Allowances, University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS) and promotion arrears.
Others are the renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FG Agreement and the inconsistency in Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System.
The federal government had gone to court to challenge the action of the association. Last week the national industrial court through Polycarp Hamman, the judge in the NIC, granted the federal government’s application for an interlocutory injunction to restrain ASUU from continuing with the strike.
The outcome of the judgement was questioned by Femi Falana, human rights lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who stated that the national industrial court does not have jurisdiction to rule on the case between the federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Last week, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, hinted that the government may direct the reopening of federal universities following the ruling of the National Industrial Court.
The court had ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities to return to work in line with section 17 of the Trade Dispute Act 2004.
However, on Friday, ASUU, through lawyers, filed an appeal and stay of execution of the NIC order.
Comments