The Federal Government has back pedalled on its earlier directive to Vice Chancellors to reopen public universities for academic programmes.
The decision by the Federal Government to withdraw the earlier circular issued on Monday, morning to the VCs, may not be unconnected with its re-assessment of the directive, especially with the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
It was gathered that the Nigeria Universities Commission may have weighed the implications and may have come to the conclusion that the directive might worsen the already dire situation.
The earlier circular which originated from the National Universities Commission NUC had directed Vice Chancellors to open universities under their purview for academic activities to resume.
The directive comes just as the Executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU had filed an appeal challenging the earlier court verdict of the National Industrial Court NIC which had directed ASUU to go back to work.
The earlier circular specifically by the Commission specifically tasked the university managements to allow students continue academic exercises.
In the letter signed by NUC’s Director, Finance and Accounts,Mr Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed on Monday, was addressed to all vice-chancellors; Pro-Chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.
“Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses”, the letter partly reads.
In another letter retracting the directive, Mr Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, said the initial circular stands withdrawn and that all Pro-Chancellors, VCs of Federal Universities are to wait for further developments or information which will be communicated to them in due course.
It reads: “Re: Forwarding of Court Judgement and Enforcement of Order by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in suit no: NICN/Abj/270/2022.Withdrawal of Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136. I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission 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 Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn”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 developments and information will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.
Meanwhile,the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that the Federal Government owned its universities and can decide when to close and open them.
ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan, Professor Ayoola Akinwole who stated this on Monday,said the union never shut down universities, adding that her members would not be in classes but will continue to do their researches and community services.
He stated that the union is on strike with her members withdrawing their services from teaching, supervising and holding statutory meetings in line with the ongoing strike.
He added:”We remain committed to our resolve to prosecute the strike and our members have resolved not to be caged by tyrannical orders. As you know, we have appealed the Industrial court rulling. Our members will have nothing to do with teaching, supervision nor attend statutory meetings until our demands are met and the strike is suspended by the leadership of the union”
He advised Federal Government to do the needful and sign a renegotiated agreement with ASUU, pay revitalisation funds and earned allowances, among others.
