The Federal Government withdrew its circular ordering vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and governing councils to reopen federal universities on Monday afternoon via the National Universities Commission.
In a circular, the NUC directed all vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and chairmen of federal university governing councils to re-open universities. However, the development was met with criticism.
The commission, however, withdrew the order in another circular titled NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136, which was also signed by the NUC’s Director, Finance and Account, Sam Onazi.
Though it did not explain why, 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 National Universities Commission (NUC) circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol64/135, and dated 23rd 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 Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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 the 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.”
According to a source, the withdrawal of the directive was not uncontested by the appeal against the National Industrial Court of Nigeria’s decision.
According to reports, the NUC was reminded of its action because the Academic Staff Union of Universities, through its legal team, had filed an appeal against the court’s decision.
According to the source, the commission was also reminded that the defendant had successfully obtained a stay of execution of the court’s decision ordering it to resume work.