University lecturers, ASUU, are currently on a nationwide strike.

Professor Ademola Onifade of the Lagos State University (LASU) says the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of University’s (ASUU) will not adversely affect athletes’ preparation for the Nigeria Universities Game (NUGA).

The Games will be hosted by the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife from October 2 to13.

Mr. Onifade, a Professor of Sports and Chairman, LASU Sports Council, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that in spite of the persisting strike, the athletes could still be preparing for the Games.

He explained that the strike was only directed at stopping the lecturers from teaching and holding meetings and not crippling other activities in the institutions.

“ASUU strike does not in any way affect student sports. I mean ASUU strike is for ASUU, that is, we the staff are not expected to teach. We are not expected to attend meetings, so the strike is basically for academic staff, not for students, so it doesn’t affect students in anyway.

“And again, you must appreciate the fact that in all Nigerian universities, there is a sport office and academic staff are not the ones running the sport offices. There are professional sports people who are in the sports offices and they take care of the student sports, so the strike doesn’t affect it in any way.

“Even if an academic staff is engaged as a part time coach, it doesn’t, because ASUU is not against that per say, since we are not teaching. We are not attending academic meetings. No, it does not affect it (NUGA preparations) in anyway,” he said.

The chairman said that the strike could be a blessing in disguise as affected athletes could use the period to prepare for the Games.

(NAN)