By Olusegun Olanrewaju
The Federal Government yesterday withdrew its earlier directive asking the management of public federal universities to reopen the institutions.

According to an order in a letter dated September 26 via the National Universities Commission (NUC), the government said the directive was to ensure that the striking lecturers under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) resumed and commenced lectures immediately.

The new marching order was contained in the letter by NUC’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Sam Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Abubakar Rasheed.

Last Friday, the agency directed the management of all federal universities to comply with the order of the National Industrial Court (NIC) directing ASUU members to return to classrooms pending the determination of the substantive matter before it.

Following the ruling, the Federal Government asked the pro chancellors and vice-chancellors to ensure that the striking lecturers go back to the classrooms.

However, the Federal Government’s latest directive had confused the university management as the vice-chancellors were unsure of how to go about the decision.

It was learnt that the confusion was reinforced by the pending application for a stay of execution at the appeal court by the counsel to the striking union, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The latest U-turn by the NUC was addressed to the pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors of the federal universities and is titled; “Withdrawal of Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 Dated 23rd September 2022.”

Vol. 4 Edition 31

The new letter referenced NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/136 and dated 26 September, reads in part; “I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission (NUC) circular Ref, NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135 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 Consequently, the said Circular stands withdrawn.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 Federal Universities are to please note. Further development and information would be communicated to all relevant stakeholders.”

The letter, however, did not give reasons for the withdrawal but it might not be unconnected to the criticisms by many Nigerians who have taken to social media to comment on the development.