The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, has on Tuesday, expressed deep concern about the safety of its members, as Universities in the country are set to reopen on January 18, amid the reported rise in Covid-19 cases in the country,
ASUU insisted that Nigerian Universities are not ready to re-open, in the middle of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
Recall, that the National Universities Commission, NUC, had earlier directed Universities to resume academic activities on January 18.
However, ASUU has called on the Federal Government to review the decision, as more Covid-19 cases continue to be reported across the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’, ASUU’s National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, said: “Our concern is rooted in the safety of our members.
“What happens to congested hostels, crowded classrooms? What flexible arrangements are in place? It is a situation of emergency. I am not sure the Universities can cope.”
When asked if e-learning is an option for Universities, he said that the necessary infrastructure is not in place to accomplish that.
His words: “We are aware that some Universities are putting measures in place, with alternative learning models.
“Some are even trying blended classes, virtual and physical.
“But these efforts are limited. They get to a point they cannot go further.
“ASUU has been talking about revitalisation since 2012. These are some of the areas where the assistance would have helped. Universities need huge funds to do this.
“People are saying start virtual classes, but more than 60 percent of our Students will run into trouble, they cannot afford data or smartphones.”
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