Pro Chancellors defy ASUU, orders immediate opening of universities.

The committee of pro chancellors of federal universities o n Tuesday called for the immediate reopening of all shut down universities across the country. This contained in a communique signed by the committee's chairman, prof. Kimse Okoko, released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The communique was issued at the end of the committee 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 reopening of the universities was unanimously agreed by all pro Chancellors in the interest of the country. The communique directed all vice chancellors to comply with the decision.

It commended the efforts by the federal government to address the major issue 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 parents. It, however, appealed for the understanding from the leadership and members of ASUU to ensure speedy restoration of academic activities on campuses.

May the decision hold water... lol