The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission, NUC, has recalled an earlier directive to Vice Chancellors of public universities to reopen the institutions in obedience to an order of the National Industrial Court.
NUC, in a letter to all Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of University Councils as well as Vice-Chancellors of federal universities, on Monday, ordered the withdrawal of its earlier circular with REF: NUC/ES/138/VOL.64/135 dated 23rd September 2022, which mandated the institutions to reopen.
The letter signed by the Commission’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Sam M. Onazi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Prof Abubakar Rasheed, was titled “Re: Forwarding of Court Judgement and Enforcement of Order by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/270/2022: Withdrawal of Circular ref: NUC/ES/138/VOL.64/135 dated 23rd September 2022.
“I have been directed to withdraw the National Universities Commission (NUC) Circular Ref: NUC/ES/138/Vol.64/135, and dated 23 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 Consequently, the said circular stands withdrawn.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 read.
The Federal Government had issued a circular to all Vice-Chancellors of public universities and attached a “self-explanatory letter Ref. FME/LU/HQ/S/1094/22/T/29, dated 23rd September, 2022 and the Enrolment Order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) on the above referenced Suit, as directed by the Honourable Minister of Education.”
The attached letter was signed on behalf of the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, by the Officer Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, OOPS/Director, Special Duties and Projects, Dr. Martina E. Nwordu.
