HomeEducationWe're Still Not Ready to Re-open - ASUU President
We're Still Not Ready to Re-open - ASUU President
Son 1/12/2021 10:16:00 AM
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, on Tuesday, again said that Nigerian universities in the country are not ready to re-open at the moment.
ASUU's National President, Biodun Ogunyemi, in Sunrise Daily with Channels Television on Tuesday revealed this.
According to him, "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," he said.
Recall that the National Universities Commission (NUC) had earlier directed the lecturers to go back to classes on January 18, 2021.
But ASUU is demanding that the Nigerian Government should review the decision owing to the increase in COVID-19 cases around the country.
"Our concern is rooted in the safety of our members," 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.
"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, in that they can't afford data or smartphones," he said.
Also recall that, ASUU had on Wednesday December 23, 2020 called off its ten-month-old industrial action after the Federal Government reached agreements with the union.