FG to reopen varsities, calls meeting with VCs, despite ASUU strike

There are indications that despite the insistence of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to continue its lingering strike, the Federal Government is set to reopen its shut universities.

According to sources in the Federal Ministry of Education, ASUU is not the only set of workers in the university system and since all non-academic staff are ready to go back to work, the universities should no longer be shut.

“Moreover, there are some lecturers who are also ready to work, such people should not be shut out. Only few days ago, a group addressed the press in Abuja, saying they are not part of the ASUU trouble. Their group is also working to be registered too. 

“Non-teaching staff have also called off their strike and the university environment is not only for or about academic staff. Why should those who are ready to work be denied the opportunity to work?” He asked.

This is just as a meeting of Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of federal universities has been slated for next Tuesday at the National Universities Commission, NUC, Complex, Abuja.

They are to meet with the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

The letter inviting them marked NUC/ES/138/VOL. 64/125 was signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Administration, Chris Maiyaki, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.

The letter was titled “Industrial actions by university-based unions: Invitation to a special interactive meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education.“, read in part:

As the pro-chancellors and the chairmen of councils and the vice-chancellors are quite aware, the industrial action by university-based unions has led to the closure of the institutions since February 14, 2022. You are also aware that the non-teaching unions have suspended their industrial actions with effect from 24th August, 2022, while a final decision is being awaited from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

“It has become necessary for the Governing Councils and the managements of the universities to be briefed on the decisions and actions taken by the Federal Government so far, to allow for a well-coordinated review of the situation, including building consensus around succeeding actions.”

“Consequently, I am to invite the Pro-Chancellors & Chairmen of Councils as well as Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities to a special interactive meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education (HME), as detailed below: Date: Tuesday, 6 September, 2022. Time: 11.00am. Venue: Prof. Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, NUC Secretariat, Abuja.”

According to Vanguard, at the meeting, the government will order the schools to be reopened and allow workers ready to work to come back to their duty posts.

READ ALSO: “And I’m still a housemade at my parent’s house,” Reactions As Student List His Achievements During ASUU Strike

ALLSCHOOL TEAM