ASUU: Buhari Govt Backtracks, Asks VCs To Shelve Reopening Universities

The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has withdrawn its circular which ordered vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and governing councils to re-open federal universities.

Naija News reports that the Buhari Government gave the new directive on Monday afternoon through the National Universities Commission.

Recall that the NUC had earlier directed Vice Chancellors to immediately re-open all public Universities and allow students to go back to classes.

The Commission had given the order in a letter approved by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed.

In the letter signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the NUC, Sam Onazi, the Commission directed the Vice Chancellors to ensure that the striking lecturers immediately resume lectures.

The letter was 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 partly reads.

But in another circular tagged NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136, which was also signed by the Director, Finance and Account of the NUC, Sam Onazi, the commission withdrew the order without giving an explanation.

The letter tagged, “withdrawal of circular NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 dated September 23, 2022” partly read, “I have been directed to withdraw the 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“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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.

“Please accept the assurances of the Executive Secretary’s warmest regards”