Why We Are Against Re-Opening Of Universities Amid Pandemic – ASUU

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Tuesday insisted
Nigerian universities are not ready to re-open in the middle of a
second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier directed
universities to resume academic activities on January 18.

But ASUU is asking the federal government to review the
decision, as more COVID-19 cases continue to be reported across the
country

On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
reported 1,244 new cases and three more deaths.

“Our concern is rooted in the safety of our members,” ASUU’s
National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, said on Sunrise Daily. “What
happens to congested hostels, crowded classrooms? What flexible
arrangements are in place? It is a situation of emergency. I’m not
sure the Universities can cope.

When asked if e-learning was an option for universities, the
ASUU President said the necessary infrastructure was not in
place.

“We are aware that some universities are putting measures in
place, with alternative learning models,” he said. “Some are even
trying blended classes, virtual and physical.

“But these efforts are limited. They get to a point they can’t
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 can’t afford
data or smartphones.”

ASUU recently called off a ten-month-old strike over demands
related to salary structure and government support for
universities.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities on Tuesday insisted
Nigerian universities are not ready to re-open in the middle of a
second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier directed
universities to resume academic activities on January 18.

But ASUU is asking the federal government to review the
decision, as more COVID-19 cases continue to be reported across the
country

On Monday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
reported 1,244 new cases and three more deaths.

“Our concern is rooted in the safety of our members,” ASUU’s
National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, said on Sunrise Daily. “What
happens to congested hostels, crowded classrooms? What flexible
arrangements are in place? It is a situation of emergency. I’m not
sure the Universities can cope.

When asked if e-learning was an option for universities, the
ASUU President said the necessary infrastructure was not in
place.

“We are aware that some universities are putting measures in
place, with alternative learning models,” he said. “Some are even
trying blended classes, virtual and physical.

“But these efforts are limited. They get to a point they can’t
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 can’t afford
data or smartphones.”

ASUU recently called off a ten-month-old strike over demands
related to salary structure and government support for
universities.