FG orders VCs to reopen universities and start lectures

The Federal government has asked vice-chancellors of all public universities to reopen their universities and resume lectures.

Punch reports that the federal government gave the directive through the National Universities Commission (NUC) in a letter signed by Sam Onazi, director, finance and accounts of the NUC, on behalf of Abubakar Rasheed, executive secretary of the commission.

The letter was said to have been addressed to all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities.

“Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses,” the letter reportedly reads.

Recall that the academic activities in all public universities have been suspended since on February 14 after members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) embarked on a strike over the federal government’s failure to meet its demands relating to the funding of universities and lecturers’ salaries and allowances.

Efforts to resolve the differences have proved abortive. The Federal government recently secured an injunction from the National Industrial Court compelling lecturers to return to their classrooms. The striking lecturers have since signified interest to appeal the judgment.