The Chairman, University of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, has said that indications by the Federal Government to reopen schools without ensuring adherence to COVID-19 protocols could be counterproductive and dangerous.
Akinwole spoke in an interview with journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, noting that those behind the agitation for re-opening of schools are private school owners who are most affected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he warned that no pecuniary gains could be placed above the lives of human beings in the universities.
According to him, public universities are usually overcrowded with students and hostel facilities are largely overstressed.
He warned parents not to be carried away by the news of planned reopening of universities saying they should ask government to take responsibility for repercussions of re-opening of schools.
“Our union notes that there have been agitations from some quarters on the government to re-open schools. Leading this campaign are the proprietors of private universities. ASUU is not in any way opposed to this call. However, Nigerians should honestly interrogate this position.
“Has the Nigerian government met the NCDC criteria on COVID-19 protocols in our institutions? Must we endanger the lives of our children for pecuniary gains? Are these agitations not borne out of protecting their business interests?
“COVID-19 is still very much with us. It is in recognition of this fact that the government rolled out certain conditions to be met before schools are re-opened.
“How many of our public institutions can confidently vouch for the safety of our children given the available facilities such as provision of running water for hand washing; social distancing among students; and the use of recommended face masks and shields which are key components of NCDC protocols?
“A situation where a room meant for four now houses 20 students cannot be said to be social-distancing compliant. What we are saying is that the Federal Government should adhere to their own set guidelines.
“Our position, as a responsible union on all these is that throwing schools open in the midst of this is an open invitation to tragic explosion of the COVID-19 scourge on a scale never witnessed anywhere since its outbreak! When this happens, Nigerians will not say that they were never warned.”
