ASUU Strike: FG Orders VCs To Reopen Universities For Academic Activities
By Abdullahi Ahmad Bamalli
The Federal Government has ordered vice-chancellors of Universities to re-open universities for students to resume lectures and other academic activities.
This was made known in a letter signed by the Director of Finance and Accounts at the National University Commission (NUC), Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed.
The letter was addressed to all vice-chancellors; pro-Chancellors and chairmen of Governing Councils of federal universities.
Read Also: Intimidation, Harassment Hinder Women’s Participation In Politics – Stakeholders
It reads in part: “Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses.”
Recall that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria had on Wednesday ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its ongoing nationwide strike and return to class.
ASUU had been on strike since February 14 to press home the demand for improved funding for universities, and a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues.
Several meetings between ASUU and the Federal Government have ended in a deadlock.
Consequently, the Federal Government went to court to challenge the strike.
In his ruling, Justice Hamman held that the application was meritorious and deserved to be granted by the court.
While dismissing objections ASUU raised through its lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, the court held that the strike action was detrimental to public university students that cannot afford to attend private tertiary institutions.
The government through its counsel, James Igwe, prayed the court for an interlocutory injunction restraining ASUU from taking further steps as regards the strike, pending the determination of the substantive suit.
ASUU had since filed 14 grounds of appeal to challenge the order.
