The vice-chancellors of all public universities have been instructed by the federal government to reopen their schools and resume lectures.
According to Punch, the federal government issued the decision via the National Universities Commission (NUC) in a letter, which Sam Onazi, the NUC’s director of finance and accounts, signed on behalf of Abubakar Rasheed, the commission’s executive secretary.
All vice-chancellors, deans, and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities were reportedly addressed in the letter.
The letter partly read, “Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses.”
Recall that since February 14, all academic activities at public universities have been suspended, due to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) going on strike over the federal government’s refusal to meet their demands regarding funding for universities and the salaries and allowances of lecturers.
All efforts to settle the disagreements have failed, however, the National Industrial Court has granted the Federal government an injunction ordering lecturers to go back to their classes.
In response to the court’s order, the striking lecturers are expected to appeal the decision.
