The Federal Government through the National Universities Commission has ordered Vice-Chancellors of federal g9vernment-owned universities to re-open such institutions and allow students resume lectures.
This was made known in a letter by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the NUC, Mr. Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive-Secretary of the commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed.
The memo was addressed to all Vice-Chancellors; Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.
The memo states in part: “Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures.
“Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses”.
The memo however failed to state how the VCs should compel the ASUU members to teach students if they are unwilling to do so, pending resolution of the matter or if they resort to “work-to-rule” approach to attain their objective.
The memo failed to also address the psychological disposition of lecturers working against their wish and the guarantees to students and their parents should they get back to their various campuses and failed to see full academic activity in session.
Recall that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NIC) on last week Wednesday ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its on-going nationwide strike.
Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, lead counsel to ASUU, had also appealed the ruling, stressing that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as the FG failed to follow procedure by first approaching the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) as stipulated by law.
