Reasons why the Federal Government of Nigeria withdrew the decision ordering public universities to reopen amidst the ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have emerged.
According to Vanguard, pressure from opinion leaders and other stakeholders interested in resolving the face-off led to the federal government asking for the withdrawal of the earlier
circular, mandating the reopening of the universities.
The source said, “After the circular became public and people started interpreting what the consequences could be, it was agreed that the circular is withdrawn to also allow for more negotiation between the government and the union.”
The aforementioned publication reported that the Acting Director of Public Affairs, the National Universities Commission, Ayo Haruna, confirmed the withdrawal of the circular dated September 23, 2022.
The latest circular calling for the nullification of the previous one was dated September 26, 2022, and signed by the same person, Sam Onazi, the Director of Finance and Accounts, NUC. It was referenced in NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/ 136.
The circular stated thus: Re: Forwarding of court judgment and enforcement of the order by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN, in suit No NICN/ABJ/270/2022:
Withdrawal of circular Ref NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135.
“I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission, 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 Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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.”
