ASUU President Insists Why Schools Shouldn’t re-Open on January 18th

Our concern is rooted in the safety of our members – ASUU President explains why schools can’t reopen.

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have given reasonable explanations why school should NOT re-open on January 18th.

The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi has explained why both Federal universities and State Universities in Nigeria can’t reopen in spite of the National Universities Commission (NUC) directive for schools to resume academic activities on the 18th of January, 2021.

Prof. Ogunyemi who appeared on a Channels Television program on Tuesday, January 12th, disclosed to the public that the union is very concerned about the safety of their members and students in general.

He said and I quote below;

“Our major concern is rooted in the safety of the members of ASUU. What happens to congested hostels, crowded classrooms affecting Nigeria schools? What flexible arrangements have been put in place to ensure that we follow the COVID-19 protocol on safety? It is a situation of emergency. I’m not sure the Universities can cope.”

When asked whether e-learning was an option for universities to ensure that students can learn, the ASUU President said the necessary infrastructure was not in place to ensure a smooth environment for e-learning .

Professor Ogunyemi added;

“We are aware that some Nigerian academic institutions are putting measures in place, with alternative learning models”. “Some are even trying blended classes, virtual and physical to teach students.

“But honestly, we should know that these efforts are limited. They get to a point they can’t go further because the necessary infrastructure is not in place.

“ASUU has been talking about revitalisation since 2012. These are some of the areas where the assistance from the federal government would have helped. Universities need huge funds to achieve things like these.

“People are saying start virtual classes, but more than 60 percent of our students will run into trouble, because they can’t afford data or smartphones, PC to facilitate things like this.”