The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has described the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as insensitive saying this is a period when the teachers should be concerned about finding solution to the COVID -19 epidemic instead of compounding government’s problems.
The group said at this global trying times, it is a betrayal of national trust for any academic union to embark on strike.While urging its members to support the government in its drive to curtail the epidemic, CONUA in a statement jointly signed by the national coordinator, Dr Niyi Sunmonu and national publicity secretary, Dr. Ernest Nwoke said this is the time when Nigerian academics should be working on overdrive to find solutions to the problems of Covid-19 or at least reduce its virulence.
“CONUA therefore regards it as utterly insensitive, irresponsible and a betrayal of national trust for any academic union to go on strike at this time, especially when another union, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), that had been on strike called off the strike in order to respond to the dreadful corona virus disease.
“ASUU’s strike will aggravate the country’s problems and deepen national anxiety. Consequently, CONUA strongly dissociates itself from the decision of ASUU to embark on a nationwide strike in these national and global trying times.”
The group directed its members to remain steadfast in supporting all efforts of government, institutions, non-governmental organisations, and individuals to combat the menace of COVID-19.
“Members of the public should be educated and encouraged to adhere strictly to the viral disease preventive health care instructions such as regular washing of hands, use of hand sanitisers and maintenance of social distance.
“CONUA members nationwide wish to identify with fellow Nigerians at this trying period and urge everyone to adhere strictly to all precautionary measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. We urge the Federal, state and local governments to collaborate in enhancing sensitisation, enforcement, provision of necessary facilities and the empowerment of citizens to combat the corona virus disease.
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