FG REVERSES COURSE AND WITHDRAWS THE ORDER TO REOPEN VARSITIES

The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), withdrew a circular directing the reopening of federal public universities on Monday afternoon.

Vice-Chancellors, Pro-Chancellors, and Governing Councils were given the order to reopen Federal Universities.

The government issued a circular titled NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 to all vice-chancellors, Pro-Chancellors, and chairs of governing councils of federal universities, ordering them to re-open universities.

The circular was signed by the NUC's Director of Finance and Accounts, Sam Onazi, on behalf of the commission's Executive Secretary, Prof Abubakar Rasheed.

However, the commission withdrew the order in another circular titled NUC/ES/138/Vol. 64/136, which was also signed by the NUC's Director of Finance and Accounts, Onazi.

The letter tagged, "withdrawal of circular NUC/ES/138/ Vol.64/135 dated 23rd September 2022" partly reads, " I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission (NUC) Circular Ref: NUC/ES/ 138/Vol.64/135, and dated 23" September 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"Consequently, the said Circular stands withdrawn.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," he said.

Senator Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, hinted last week that the government may direct the reopening of federal universities in light of the National Industrial Court ruling.

In accordance with Section 17 of the Trade Disputes Act 2004, the court ordered the Academic Staff Union of Universities to return to work.

However, ASUU, through its lawyers, filed an appeal and stay of execution of the NIC order on Friday.