Hours after issuing a directive asking vice-chancellors to reopen universities for the resumption of lectures, the federal government has withdrawn the circular.

According to the Punch, the latest decision was contained in a circular signed by Sam Onazi, director of finance and account of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“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,” the circular reportedly reads.

“Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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 will be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.”

The development comes amid back-and-forth deliberations — as well as a court order — over the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in February over funding of public universities, allowances for lecturers, among other issues.

After several meetings between the union and the federal government failed to yield any concrete result, the government had filed a suit against ASUU at the national industrial court.

The court, on September 21, ordered the lecturers to resume work.

However, the union has responded by filing an appeal seeking a stay of execution on the decision of the national industrial court.

The Cable