Crossword Genius

Directs NUS with strict changes (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

instructs

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'directs' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'nus with strict changes' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'changes' is an anagram indicator.
'nus' after 'strict' is 'strictnus'.
'strictnus' with letters rearranged gives 'INSTRUCTS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for instructs that I've seen is " Teaches".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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