In a deliberate bid to divide members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who have been on nationwide strike since July 1, the Federal Government on Thursday directed lecturers in the nation’s Federal Universities to return to work within a week.
The Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, who gave the directive while briefing reporters in Abuja, also threatened that those who refuse to return to classrooms would lose their jobs.
Consequently, he has directed that all lecturers in federal Universities should be back at their duty posts latest by December 4, 2013.
To ensure smooth running of academic activities, the Minister also directed all Vice Chancellors to provide enabling environment for those who comply with federal government’s directive.
Also, Wike ordered that any lecturer who fails to resume by December 4 should be sacked and the position advertised forthwith.
The lectures under their umbrella body, ASUU are demanding full implementation of the 2009 agreements reached with the federal government.
At the initial stage, Federal Government appointed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim to negotiate with ASUU but nothing tangible could be achieved.
Later, Vice President Namadi Sambo took over the negotiation and still agreement could not be reached.
The last meeting held with the striking lecturers was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House. Unfortunately, the 13 hours meeting was also deadlocked.
