The National Universities Commission (NUC) has directed Vice-Chancellors of Universities to commence academic activities on January 18.
The announcement was in compliance with the directive of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for educational sectors to begin activities.
The 10 month Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike was suspended on December 23 2020 during a crowded press conference addressed by ASUU National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, at the University of Abuja but schools were not allowed to open until approved by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19
The NUC in a statement by its Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Chris Maiyaki, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, on Friday morning said any further developments would be communicated to Universities accordingly.
The commission had also directed officers on Grade Level 12 and below to remain at home for a period of five weeks as earlier directed by the Federal Government.
According to the NUC, the new directive became a necessary sequel to several enquires on the full import of the commission’s previous letter with Ref. No. NUC/ES/138/Vol.63/151 and dated December 23, 2020, on the issue.
Maiyaki urged universities to protect lives by strictly adhering to the extant safety protocols and guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, which have been communicated severally to them through NUC circulars.
He said, “I am to add that universities on the resumption of academic activities, must under no circumstance violate the full cycle of the semester system, consistent with the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards approved by the NUC, as well as other extant quality assurance standards and guidelines.”
