It is no news that the ongoing strike by the management of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has entered its 7th month and still there seems to be no hope of ending it despite the federal government’s directive to “resume and commence lectures” as soon as possible.
The National Univerties Commision (NUC) on September 26 released a “marching order” signed Sam Onazi, the Director of Finance and Accounts on behave of the Executive Secretary, Abubakar Rasheed.
Meanwhile, NUC has earlier directed striking ASUU members to obey the order given earlier by the National Industrial Court (NIC) to end the strike and return to classrooms pending the determination of the substantive matter before it
The Reversal
A letter by the NUC to addressed to the pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors titled “Withdrawal of Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 Dated 23rd September 2022” reads in part;
“I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission (NUC) 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 Consequently, the said Circular stands withdrawn.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 development and information would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.”
Many Nigerians including the members of the management of various institutions had earlier on Monday condemned the government’s directive for reportedly “ignoring the stay of execution application filed at the appeal court against the NIC order by the lecturers’ union.”
While some university management members spoken to on the phone on Monday by PREMIUM TIMES said they were yet to take a decision on the matter, others said they were unaware of the development.
An official of NUC who spoke to this newspaper on condition of anonymity earlier on Monday said the agency only carried out the instruction by its supervising ministry and that it was not in a position to query the decision.
“On how the directive would be implemented NUC has no say on that. It is a different matter entirely. We were only asked to communicate the decision and we did,” the official who does not want to be quoted for fear of sanction said.
This has raised concern, confusion and backlash by citizens who think both the federal government and ASUU are bend to destroy education in the country.
