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School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 2:16pm On Jul 07, 2020
School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Speak Out.

Read this very interesting piece.



Parents, teachers, pupils, students, and all Nigerians waited with bated breath last week for the much-vaunted Federal Government’s announcement on the re-opening of schools after months of forced closure. When the news finally came, it was pretty much underwhelming; a damp squib in fact. First, the impression was created that all schools were to reopen for “graduating students” to quickly take their exams, then, it turned out universities would not re-open after all. What a lot of people find puzzling is the rationale, the basis, for accommodating primary and secondary school pupils in their final years, while shutting out university students in the same category. If it is considered too risky for universities to re-open, why take a chance on the junior ones? On the other hand, if it is an acceptable risk for the junior ones to go back to school, then, why not university students?


It has been said in some media reports that the younger ones are less vulnerable to the coronavirus. Could this be the basis for the decision? There is, as yet, no conclusive scientific basis for thinking that the lower age groups are indeed immune to the coronavirus. It would therefore be utterly irresponsible for any government to base such a critical move on mere conjectures. Even if the younger ones are completely immune, what about the adults teaching them, and their interactions with one another? Closing the door on universities, while in the same breath, opening it for primary and secondary schools is totally irrational; it defies logic. By the way, who are the “experts” advising the President to embark upon this haphazard decision-making?


Lest anyone be in doubt, it is my considered view that graduating university students ought to be allowed to return to write their exams and submit their projects as a matter of priority. This takes no more than two weeks. And, it dovetails the relaxation of inter-state travel anyway. The remaining students should also be allowed to write their final year or end of semester exams in a staggered “zoom in and zoom out” fashion. The whole exercise could be completed within six weeks (See; “Reopening Nigeria: Logistical nightmare for schools”, The PUNCH, May 5, 2020). As things stand, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Nigeria Union of Teachers, and Nigerian Medical Association are all opposed to any reopening of schools. “We can’t resume, we don’t want to die, teachers tell FG”, according to a news headline. The head of the NMA, Professor Innocent Ujah, issued a press statement denouncing the reopening of schools due to “the current low level of compliance by Nigerians with COVID-19 safety protocols”. The ASUU president has accused the Federal Government of “experimenting with the lives of poor Nigerians” by the announcement. While one should not rush to raise doubts about the sincerity of their sentiments, they are, nonetheless, self-serving. ASUU, in particular, is not a representative body of all academic staff in Nigeria. Private universities are not represented by the organisation, and their voice is not being heard in any of this.

Moreover, private universities are run under completely different ethos and work ethics, with more care and attention paid to the welfare of their students, far greater than one could imagine in government-run universities. As a matter of fact, the facilities available inside some of Nigeria’s highly regarded private universities are a joy to behold. A vision in motion, some might say, and for good reasons. They offer a home away from home atmosphere, which the students, their parents and sponsors cherish a lot. Furthermore, they not only offer serene study environments, they also grow and consume their own nutrition-laden organic farm produce. The medical facilities they provide compare well with the best on offer anywhere in the world. The safety measures put in place inside these universities since the outbreak of the pandemic are impressive; they are as good as one sees in more advanced countries. It is even arguable that a good number of the country’s private universities are safer for students than their respective locations at the moment, where they are variously exposed to open and uncontrolled environments. Consequently, the one-size-fits-all approach of the government to the reopening of schools is not only misconceived, it is also patently wrong.

The main reason why ASUU objects to a phased reopening of publically-funded schools is their ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government over pay and conditions. It does not make good sense to resume academic work when they could be immediately faced with a strike action. Let us remember that private universities are not party to ASUU’s parley with the government, but they are effectively being held to ransom with the union’s blanket opposition to reopening of universities. ASUU’s leadership ought to make clear in their pronouncements that they are speaking for publicly-funded universities only. It is not entirely their fault though. Since private universities are loathe to union activities, so, their academic staff have no platform to speak from. This points to a dilemma. On the one hand, private universities are not represented by any union, so, when ASUU (supposedly a union of “universities”) speaks, it conveys the erroneous impression that they do so on behalf of all Nigerian universities. On the other hand, creating a unionised regime in private universities reflecting ASUU’s way of life, and modus operandi, would fundamentally alter the character and essence of private universities in Nigeria. It would soon become a race to the bottom for all of them (public and private); a highly retrogressive step that would be. Consequently, in the absence of a union platform to speak from, the Association of Vice Chancellors of Private Universities in Nigeria should step up to the plate, and speak up for their universities on these occasions. They ought to call a press conference, issue a statement drawing attention to the anomalies in the government’s position, and advance their own cause or, someone else will do it for them, as it happens.

Finally, let us be blunt about this. Unlike publicly-funded universities, private universities are not just academic institutions, they are also businesses whose books must be balanced. They do not have the luxury of a government bailout come rain or shine. As things stand, with the continuing lockdown, ASUU is secured in the knowledge that their members’ salaries and pensions are fire-proof; taken from source, straight from our commonwealth. This remains so in perpetuity. No such guarantee exists for private institutions who must either sink or swim in the market place. I do not think the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), is being well briefed on this. Coronavirus is not a disease due to go away in the near future, on a specified date and time. It is a public health crisis we, in Nigeria, have to live with and manage (emphasise, manage), just like the rest of the world. It is not something we can simply wish away. If universities were to close until the coast is clear, then, we would be here for years not months. Publicly-funded universities may not yet have the facilities and resources to manage their environment against the coronavirus, but it is a world of difference in most privately-funded universities. They are better equipped to manage and contain the spread of the virus in their own terrain. The Federal Government cannot simply shut its eyes, and close its mind to this. Public policy must be guided by reason, not pandering to vested interests.

https://punchng.com/fgs-school-reopening-plan-irrational-illogical/?amp=1&utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter&__twitter_impression=true

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Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 2:25pm On Jul 07, 2020
Can the FG stop the payment of salaries since workers ain't working?

ASUU is just an umbrella speaking for only public universities whereas the private schools since unionless can't speak for themselves on their readiness to resume schools and being able to handle the Covid19 better than their counterparts.

9 Likes 1 Share

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by cherishmichael: 2:26pm On Jul 07, 2020
This is true smiley B|

1 Like

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by flyingpig: 2:29pm On Jul 07, 2020
Agreed
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by okomile(f): 2:32pm On Jul 07, 2020
Make God take control

Man don tire.

Turenchi too much here jor
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 2:32pm On Jul 07, 2020
ASUU is only kicking against reopening of schools due to their own selfish reasons and for how long will schools remain shut since the virus isn't leaving anytime soon. For the times they are at home doing nothing their salaries keeps coming in while it isn't so for those in Private.

5 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 2:33pm On Jul 07, 2020
okomile:
Make God take control

Man don tire.

Turenchi too much here jor
That's why u need to get back to school. You're becoming to lazy to read and comprehend.
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by zod404(m): 2:34pm On Jul 07, 2020
All schools should be closed... I stand with ASUU.

2 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by okomile(f): 2:34pm On Jul 07, 2020
CaSttLe:

That's why u need to get back to school. You're becoming to lazy to read and comprehend.


I sound like student?!

Do your research well indomie generation grin grin

1 Like

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by yanabasee1(m): 2:46pm On Jul 07, 2020
CaSttLe:
Can the FG stop the payment of salaries since workers ain't working?

ASUU is just an umbrella speaking for only public universities whereas the private schools since unionless can't speak for themselves on their readiness to resume schools and being able to handle the Covid19 better than their counterparts.




You are wicked....Do you know what will become of this country if the government will stop the worker's wages?


That's to say, Buhari will not get paid.... Nobody will get paid.......
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 2:49pm On Jul 07, 2020
yanabasee1:





You are wicked....Do you know what will become of this country if the government will stop the worker's wages?


That's to say, Buhari will not get paid.... Nobody will get paid.......
You are also wicked knowing that a sector of the working economy has been at home since March without pay. Here you are also kicking against another lockdown and kicking against schools reopening.

6 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by Under16: 3:22pm On Jul 07, 2020
zod404:
All schools should be closed... I stand with ASUU.
I also stand with Boss Musty for another month lock down. Every open places should be shut both religious places

1 Like

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by Under16: 3:23pm On Jul 07, 2020
okomile:



I sound like student?!

Do your research well indomie generation grin grin
You sound like a typical lazy Nigerian student. Very lazy to read anything even big big turanci grin

1 Like

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by Benwallt(m): 7:23pm On Jul 07, 2020
zod404:
All schools should be closed... I stand with ASUU.
[s][/s]
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by Emanagerr: 10:25pm On Jul 07, 2020
One part of me wants school to open, the other part wants it shut till September, I don't know the one to listen to.

This people shouting school should open up and down so that they can go and continue their fornication in high institutions, una plan no go work grin

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1 Like

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by Omoluabi55: 11:04pm On Jul 07, 2020
CaSttLe:
ASUU is only kicking against reopening of schools due to their own selfish reasons and for how long will schools remain shut since the virus isn't leaving anytime soon. For the times they are at home doing nothing their salaries keeps coming in while it isn't so for those in Private.



This is not the case some of those lecturers you see are in their 60's and above, and many of them have some underline illnesses, so resuming back to work with student coming from different states with this virus will be a great danger to them. I think we should just chill for now. This virus is real.

3 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by Nobody: 8:00am On Jul 08, 2020
Omoluabi55:




This is not the case some of those lecturers you see are in their 60's and above, and many of them have some underline illnesses, so resuming back to work with student coming from different states with this virus will be a great danger to them. I think we should just chill for now. This virus is real.

You're simply not getting his point and I wonder if my explanation would make you either.

Your point is lecturers are old and could die of the virus and that's why they wouldn't like to resume.

His point is if lecturers are not being paid their salaries as it is in the private sector where there's no free lunch and you only work to get paid, they would be the one begging to resume work to fend for their families.

Some people in the private sector are elderly too and many in the public schools are young as well.

5 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by obonujoker(m): 8:24am On Jul 08, 2020
yanabasee1:





You are wicked....Do you know what will become of this country if the government will stop the worker's wages?


That's to say, Buhari will not get paid.... Nobody will get paid.......

Only those whose sectors aren't working would be affected i.e why should govt teachers keep getting paid, when they are not working??

2 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by projectreserve2: 9:05am On Jul 08, 2020
This is a serious debate
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by yanabasee1(m): 9:26am On Jul 08, 2020
obonujoker:


Only those whose sectors aren't working would be affected i.e why should govt teachers keep getting paid, when they are not working??


You think teachers don't have a body?



Ministry of education, NUT, UBEB, UBEC, SUBEC, And other educational bodies are working and teachers are sub bodies to the main organization....



They never caused the pandemic, they were rushly asked to stop working....The FG officially asked all workers to stop working...Asking the FG to stop their wages is insensitive.....
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 10:06am On Jul 08, 2020
yanabasee1:



You think teachers don't have a body?



Ministry of education, NUT, UBEB, UBEC, SUBEC, And other educational bodies are working and teachers are sub bodies to the main organization....



They never caused the pandemic, they were rushly asked to stop working....The FG officially asked all workers to stop working...Asking the FG to stop their wages is insensitive.....

And those in the private sector that are unionless
and have nobody to speak for them should die then? And when pple push for schools to resume when markets and churches are open same civil servants and ASUU will protest. If u want us to be experimental just allow FG to cut their salaries or even stop it...ASUU will wake up and want to get back to the renegotiating table,,,civil servants will start protesting,,,some will even say the virus is a scam blablabla.

2 Likes

Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by yanabasee1(m): 11:06am On Jul 08, 2020
CaSttLe:


And those in the private sector that are unionless
and have nobody to speak for them should die then? And when pple push for schools to resume when markets and churches are open same civil servants and ASUU will protest. If u want us to be experimental just allow FG to cut their salaries or even stop it...ASUU will wake up and want to get back to the renegotiating table,,,civil servants will start protesting,,,some will even say the virus is a scam blablabla.


Your grievance is that the gov't teachers are getting paid while private teachers aren't....

So you private teachers are now comparing your standard with gov't teachers.....

There's an association for private school proprietors....And nothing stopped private teachers from organising a body and have it regulated for protection and so on....


You can do it, and stop ranting to stop other people's progress because you are neglected by your employer!!
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by CaSttLe(m): 11:47am On Jul 08, 2020
yanabasee1:



[s]Your grievance is that the gov't teachers are getting paid while private teachers aren't....

So you private teachers are now comparing your standard with gov't teachers.....

There's an association for private school proprietors....And nothing stopped private teachers from organising a body and have it regulated for protection and so on....


You can do it, and stop ranting to stop other people's progress because you are neglected by your employer!![/s]

All what you are yarning here is all dust. Start from the begining of the thread and read again since you lack proper comprehension. I have no business with the sector. But the truth has to be told. The FG should open up the total education sector and let pple go back to their means of lively hood with adequate measures in place. It's no lie that the private secretary well able to manage the crises more than their public sector which is as a result of neglect and corruption. Look at the health sector for instance the so called public hospitals cant even manage the pandemic despite the yearly billions budgeted for the sector...now the politicians are the ones dying like fowls and still proposing to have a total lockdown again not because they care for the common man but because pple of their class are dying monthly and they wish not to be next reason why they putting average nigerians under untold hardship by talking about lockdowns which even you are kicking against.
Re: School Resumption: ASUU Is Selfish! Private Schools/varsities Should Better Spea by yanabasee1(m): 12:10pm On Jul 08, 2020
CaSttLe:


All what you are yarning here is all dust. Start from the begining of the thread and read again since you lack proper comprehension. I have no business with the sector. But the truth has to be told. The FG should open up the total education sector and let pple go back to their means of lively hood with adequate measures in place. It's no lie that the private secretary well able to manage the crises more than their public sector which is as a result of neglect and corruption. Look at the health sector for instance the so called public hospitals cant even manage the pandemic despite the yearly billions budgeted for the sector...now the politicians are the ones dying like fowls and still proposing to have a total lockdown again not because they care for the common man but because pple of their class are dying monthly and they wish not to be next reason why they putting average nigerians under untold hardship by talking about lockdowns which even you are kicking against.


When you are not into the system...You will feel like every decision taken by the gov't is to make life harder for the common man....


You just make assumption that the coronavirus is affecting the rich class only...


The news about politicians and other elites giving up the ghost is because they are public servants and they are more like to interact with the masses more as people troops into their privacy for meetings....

Again, they are prominent and that is why the news about them gets to the people's awareness...


There are many poor people dying everyday... NCDC have been giving records of people dying and the measurity of them are the poor masses...


The decision for further lockdown will affect everyone.... From the rich class down to the poor class....


I have used this opportunity to learn skills and enrich my potentials in many aspect....Whether the lockdown is totally lifted or not... I will not wade into government decision making and they have first hand consultation!!


You have to learn.....kiddo!!

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