ASUU Strike: FG withdraws circular ordering VCs to reopen universities

The federal government (FG), through the National Universities Commission (NUC), has withdrawn a circular ordering universities Vice Chancellors to reopen schools for lectures to resume.

NewsWireNGR had earlier reported that the previous letter signed by Sam Onazi, director, finance and accounts of the NUC, on behalf of Abubakar Rasheed, executive secretary of the commission was addressed to all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.

In the newest development, another circular signed by Onazi and quoted by The Punch, reads in part; “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“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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.”

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been on strike since February 14 over the federal government’s failure to meet its demands relating to the funding of universities and lecturers’ salaries and allowances.

Several meetings between the union and the federal government had ended in deadlock.

The federal government recently filed a suit against the union at the national industrial court over the lingering strike.

The industrial court had ordered the lecturers to suspend their strike.

Subsequently, ASUU filed an appeal against the judgment of the industrial court.

On September 6, the federal government met with pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors of federal universities over the lingering strike.