The Federal Government through the National Universities Commission (NUC) has asked vice-chancellors of all public universities to reopen their universities and resume lectures.
Sam Onazi, Director, Finance and Accounts of the NUC, on behalf of Abubakar Rasheed, executive secretary of the commission today, Monday has addressed a letter to all vice-chancellors; pro-chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities instructing that schools be opened.
“Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses,” the letter reads according to PunchNews which obtained a copy.
Recall that the academic activities in all public universities have been suspended since 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.
While dismissing objections ASUU raised through its lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, the court held that the strike action was detrimental to public university students that cannot afford to attend private tertiary institutions.
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“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant.
“I hold that this application is meritorious and this application is granted”, Justice Hamman ruled.
The court, thereafter, issued an order, restraining ASUU, “whether by themselves, members, agents, privies or howsoever called, from taking further steps and doing any act in continuance of the strike action, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed.”
ASUU had since filed 14 grounds of appeal to challenge the order.