FG to Order Vice-Chancellors to Re-Open Varsities – Ngige
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Wednesday, noted that the government would order vice-chancellors to re-open universities.
The minister made this known in a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday night.
“The court ruling does not preclude us from going on with further negotiation and consultations. The pro-chancellors met Mr President and made some demands, such as topping up government offers and seeing whether there could be some bailout.
Mr President said in considering it, he will consult stakeholders. So, he is going to consult everybody.”
Ngige also noted that he welcomed the intervention of the House of Representatives in the ASUU imbroglio, saying he was happy that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila said they were going to meet the President.
He said the intervention was timely considering that the President must have also consulted some stakeholders, adding that whatever money to be put in would go into the 2023 appropriation where the National Assembly comes in.
“If they have shown interest now, it is good and wonderful. When they bring that proposal, the Executive will not have any problem. ASUU should also know that this is a step in the right direction. And all these things have been promised to them by the Minister of Education at their last meeting with him. For me, they should do the needful and get back to the classroom.”
“The government would order the vice-chancellors to reopen the universities in compliance with the order of the court.”
FAQs: FG to Order Vice-Chancellors to Re-Open Varsities – Ngige
Why did the Federal Government plan to order vice-chancellors to reopen universities?
The Federal Government announced plans to direct vice-chancellors of public universities to reopen institutions following a ruling by the National Industrial Court directing the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its strike and return to work. Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, stated that the move was aimed at restoring academic activities while negotiations continued.
Does the directive mean the ASUU strike has ended?
No. The proposed directive for universities to reopen did not automatically end the ASUU strike. The union had opposed the court ruling and proceeded with legal steps, including an appeal, while discussions with the government continued.
What was the reason behind the ASUU strike?
ASUU’s dispute with the Federal Government involved several issues, including university funding, implementation of previous agreements, payment of earned allowances, improved welfare for lecturers, and the revitalisation of public universities.
Could vice-chancellors reopen universities without ASUU lecturers returning to work?
Reopening universities does not necessarily guarantee the immediate return of lecturers to classrooms. Academic activities depend largely on the cooperation of lecturers, university management, and the resolution of the dispute between ASUU and the government.
Was the order to reopen universities eventually implemented?
The Federal Government, through the National Universities Commission (NUC), later withdrew the circular directing vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, and governing councils of federal universities to reopen institutions. The withdrawal followed continued developments in the dispute and further consultations among stakeholders.
