Breaking News: ASUU, FG make U-turn on previous decision

Hours ago, the Federal Government ordered Universities to reopen, but later revoked their order. According to Vanguard Newspaper, facts have emerged on why the Federal Government reversed her decision on reopening of public universities that have been on strike for 7 months now by members of the ASUU, Academic Staff Union of Universities.

According to Vanguard Newspaper, pressure from opinion leaders and other known stakeholders involved in resolving the issue between the union and the government led to the Federal Government asking for the earlier sent circular to mandate the reopening of public universities to be withdrawn.

Quoting a source that spoke to the Vanguard Newspapers, I quote “After the circular became public and people started interpreting what the consequences could be, it was agreed that the circular is withdrawn to also allow for more negotiation between the government and the union.”

Mr. Ayo Haruna, the Acting Director of Public Affairs of the National Universities Commission, confirmed that the withdrawal of the circular dated September 23, 2022.

He also said, and I quote, "All the Pro-Chancellors and Chairmen of Governing Councils, as well as Vice Chancellors of all the federal universities are to please take note and Further development and information would be communicated to all the relevant stakeholders.”

The National President of ASUU, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, told Vanguard that the FG was not referring to his members. He said, and I quote, "We do not have the keys to the campuses. We did not shut down any university. Those who shut down the federal universities are the ones who can decide whether to reopen them or not. As for us going back to work, the federal government is not talking to us. We did not institute the case at the industrial court, some people took us there, and we have done what is required of exercising our right to appeal."

Thanks for reading.

News source: Vanguard Newspape