The Federal Government yesterday assured that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) directive to university teachers to resume strike would not stop it from continuing negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The government also said it would soon direct vice-chancellors of universities to reopen their institutions in compliance with the order.
Parents and students, however, differed on the court’s ruling, which the government said was a no-victor, no-vanquished decision.
While parents said the ruling was a welcome development, the students described it as a betrayal of equity.
ASUU, however, said it has a right to appeal the court’s directive.
The government on September 8 declared a trade dispute with ASUU and consequently headed to the NICN for an order stopping the over seven-month strike by lecturers.
When the case came up yesterday, Justice Polycarp Hamman, said he was invoking Section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act, which allows the NICN to order an end to strike in national interest.
Hamman held that it was necessary to end the strike because students have a right to education and protect the government from losing more to the work boycott.
“Students have been out of school for seven months in Nigeria, where age is a factor in employment,” he said, adding that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) bars graduates from 30 years from participating in youth service.
“I, therefore, hold that the balance of convenience tilts in favour of granting the application.”
He then, proceeded to issue an order, restraining ASUU, “whether by themselves, members, agents, privies or howsoever called, from taking further steps and doing any act in continuance of the strike action, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed.”
Hamman, who said he acted as the court’s vacation judge, explained that the case filed would be returned to the court’s President for reassignment after the vacation.
Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige, who also said that the ruling was in the nation’s best interest, added that ASUU members “should do the needful and get back to the classrooms.”
Ngige, who received members of the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) in his office in Abuja, added that “the government will order the vice-chancellors and pro-chancellors to reopen the universities in line with the court order.”
His words: “The ruling is in the best interest of the nation. It is a win-win situation for all of us- government, students, lecturers- all Nigerians indeed. I have just gotten the court order asking ASUU to go back to work. It is a sound judgment. It is no victor, no vanquished.
“You doctors in academics are for now members of ASUU, but, you are here, even though you have dissociated yourself and are working. We want to thank you for working and teaching your students.
“The court ruling does not preclude us from going on with further negotiation and consultations. The pro-chancellors met Mr. President and made some demands, such as topping up government offers and seeing whether there could be some bailout.
“Mr. President (Muhammadu Buhari) said in considering it, he will consult stakeholders. So, he is going to consult everybody.”
Ngige welcomed the intervention of the House of Representatives in the ASUU imbroglio, saying he was happy that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the legislators were going to meet the President.
“If they have shown interest now, it is good and wonderful. When they bring that proposal, the Executive will not have any problem. ASUU should also know that this is a step in the right direction. And all these things have been promised by the Minister of Education (Adamu Adamu) at their last meeting with him.”
