Pro Chancellors defy ASUU, order immediate reopening of universities

The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal
Universities on Tuesday called for the immediate re-
opening of all shut down universities across the
country.
This is contained in a communiqué signed by the
committee's Chairman, Prof. Kimse Okoko, released
in Abuja on Tuesday.
The communiqué was issued at the end of the
committee's meeting to discuss the lingering strike
by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
and other issues affecting the Nigerian University
System.
It stated that the call for the re-opening of the
universities was unanimously agreed by all Pro-
chancellors in the interest of the country.
The communique directed all the Vice-Chancellors to
comply with the decision.
It commended the efforts by the Federal Government
to address the major issues that led to the strike and
lauded the personal intervention of President
Goodluck Jonathan in the resolution of the dispute.
It also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the
referendum conducted in all the branches of ASUU
nationwide, which voted 60-40 in favour of the
suspension of the ongoing strike.
The communique explained that the committee's
decision was based on the negative impact the strike
had had on the university system, students and the
parents.
It, however, appealed for the understanding from the
leadership and members of ASUU to ensure speedy
restoration of academic activities on campuses.
[PMNews]