This is just as a meeting of Pro-Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of federal universities have been slated for next Tuesday at the National Universities Commission, NUC, Complex, Abuja.
They are to meet with the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.
The letter inviting them marked NUC/ES/138/VOL. 64/125 was signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Administration, Chris Maiyaki, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.
The letter was titled “Industrial actions by university-based unions: Invitation to a special interactive meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education. “
It read in part,” As the pro-chancellors and the chairmen of councils and the vice-chancellors are quite aware, the industrial action by university-based unions has led to the closure of the institutions since February 14, 2022. You are also aware that the non-teaching unions have suspended their industrial actions with effect from 24th August, 2022, while a final decision is being awaited from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.
“It has become necessary for the Governing Councils and the managements of the universities to be briefed on the decisions and actions taken by the Federal Government so far, to allow for a well-coordinated review of the situation, including building consensus around succeeding actions.”
It was gathered that at the meeting, the government would order the schools to be reopened and allow workers ready to work come back to their duty posts.
Recall that ASUU on Monday insisted on continuing its strike after holding a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
A group of lecturers, under the aegis of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, led by Dr Niyi Sunmonu, have dissociated themselves from the strike and said they are willing to resume work.
This is as the managements of some state universities are also taking steps to ensure the reopening of the institutions.
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FAQs:
Why did the Federal Government plan to reopen universities despite the ASUU strike?
The Federal Government considered reopening universities to reduce the disruption to students’ academic programmes and prevent further delays in graduation. Long ASUU strikes have historically extended degree programmes beyond the normal duration, sometimes turning a four-year course into six years.
Authorities also argued that universities should continue operating with available staff while negotiations with ASUU continue.
What led to the ASUU strike in the first place?
ASUU strikes usually arise from disputes with the government over issues such as:
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Implementation of previous agreements with lecturers
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Improved funding for public universities
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Payment of outstanding salaries and allowances
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Revitalization of university infrastructure
The union has repeatedly accused the government of failing to implement agreements, especially the widely referenced 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, which has been a major source of conflict for years.
Can universities operate normally while ASUU is on strike?
In many cases, universities struggle to operate fully during ASUU strikes because lecturers are the primary academic workforce. However, the government sometimes encourages institutions to reopen using available personnel, including:
Some institutions have previously attempted to resume academic activities even while ASUU members stayed away from work.
Has the government and ASUU reached any agreements recently?
Yes. Negotiations between the Federal Government and ASUU have occasionally produced agreements aimed at ending strikes and stabilizing the university calendar. For instance, recent negotiations focused on improving lecturer remuneration and addressing long-standing disputes in the university system.
However, implementation of agreements often determines whether strikes are fully resolved.
How do ASUU strikes affect Nigerian students?
ASUU strikes have several consequences for students, including:
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Disruption of academic calendars
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Delayed graduation and NYSC mobilization
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Financial strain on students and parents
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Loss of academic momentum
These disruptions have been a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s higher education system for decades.
