Less than 24 hours after the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) declared an indefinite strike, the Federal Government has summoned Pro-chancellor, Chairmen of Governing Councils and Vice chancellors to a crucial meeting next week.

The invitation circular seen by Daily Sun, said the crucial meeting is with the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who is not in the country as the time ASUU declared the indefinite strike.

The circular addressed to Federal University council chairmen and vice chancellors is dated August 26th and signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki.

The circular titled: Industrial action by university-based unions: Invitation to a special interactive meeting with the minister of education, was also copied the Minister of State for Education, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and the Executive Secretary of NUC.

The circular further stated that the special meeting will hold on Tuesday, September 6th, at NUC Auditorium.

The invitation letter reads: “As the Pro-chancellors and chairmen of councils and vice chancellors are quite aware, the industrial action by university-based unions has led to the closure of the institutions since February 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 ASUU.”

The circular said it became necessary for the council and management of the universities to be briefed on the decision and actions taken by the Federal Government so far, to allow for a coordinated review of the situation, including building consensus succeeding actions.

Consequently, I am to invite the pro-chancellors and chairmen of councils as well as vice chancellors of federal universities to a special interactive meeting with the education minister,” the letter stated.

The circular urged VCs to bring the notice to the attention of their respective pro-chancellors and facilitate their attendance.

There are insinuations that the federal government may use the special meeting to direct the vice chancellors to reopen the universities as well as open attendance register for academic staff.

While the governing council chairmen may be directed to handle some of ASUU demands at each individual university levels as employers of the lecturers.

It will be recalled that after six-month strike, ASUU on Monday, February 29th, directed its members to embark on total, comprehensive and indefinite strike. (Daily Sun)

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