Following NIC’s order to ASUU, the National Universities Commission in adherence to the order of the Federal Government has asked Vice-Chancellors to re-open schools and allow students to resume lectures. This statement was made in a letter signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts of the NUC, Sam Onazi, representing the Executive Secretary of the commission, Professor Abubakar Rasheed.
The letter which was made exclusively available to The PUNCH on Monday was addressed to all vice-chancellors; Pro-Chancellors and chairmen of governing councils of federal universities. “Ensure that ASUU members immediately resume/commence lectures; Restore the daily activities and routines of the various University campuses”, the letter said.
Earlier, the National Industrial Court had ordered the union to call off its strike and resume lectures. The leadership of ASUU however appealed again and the appeal was rejected by the NIC. ASUU had been on strike since February 14 to stand on its already existing demands for improved funding for universities, a review of salaries for lecturers, among other issues. Several meetings between ASUU and the Federal Government in order to end the strike proved abortive. As a result, the Federal Government went to court to challenge the strike.
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While discharging the protests ASUU raised through its lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, the court maintained that the strike action would have an imminent effect on public university students that cannot afford to attend private tertiary institutions.
“The balance of convenience tilts in favour of the applicant.
“I hold that this application is meritorious and this application is granted”, Justice Hamman ruled.
The court, thereafter, issued an order, restraining ASUU, “whether by themselves, members, agents, privies or howsoever called, from taking further steps and doing any act in continuance of the strike action, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed.”
ASUU had since filed 14 grounds of appeal to challenge the order.
Credit; THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER
