ASUU strike: FG withdraws circular mandating VCs to reopen universities

The Federal Government has withdrawn the order mandating vice-chancellors of universities to reopen universities.

In a circular issued on Monday, the National Universities Commission (NUC), had mandated vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and governing councils to re-open federal universities following months of closure due to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)’s strike.

According to the Punch, the latest decision was contained in a circular signed by Sam Onazi, director of finance and account of NUC.

“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,” the circular reportedly reads.

“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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 development comes amid back-and-forth deliberations — as well as a court order — over the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in February over funding of public universities, allowances for lecturers, among other issues.

After several meetings between the union and the federal government failed to yield any concrete result, the government had filed a suit against ASUU at the national industrial court.The court, on September 21, ordered the lecturers to resume work.

However, the union has responded by filing an appeal seeking a stay of execution on the decision of the national industrial court.