FG withdraws order directing VCs to reopen varsities

The Federal Government (FG) has withdrawn its circular directing Vice-Chancellors to re-open universities across the country and allow students resume academic activities.

The Federal Government had in a letter signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts of National Universities Commission (NUC), Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, directed Vice-Chancellors, Pro-Chancellors, and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities to re-open the universities.

However, the NUC, in another letter signed by Onazi, on Monday, announced the withdrawal of the commission’s directive.

The NUC, however, failed to disclose the reason for the latest development.

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“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“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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 assurance of the Executive Secretary’s warmest regards,” the letter partly read.

It would be recalled that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on strike on February 14, 2022, to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.

Several meetings between ASUU and the FG have ended in deadlock due to non-agreement in the demands.

The Federal Government later went to court to challenge the strike but the union insisted it would not resume until its demands are met by the government.

However, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), last Wednesday, ordered ASUU to call off its seven-month-old strike.

The Star