Mix reaction trails NUT strike threat
Mix reactions has trailed the threatened strike by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) with regards to the Sept. 22 schools resumption date on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that following the insistence of the Federal Government on the September resumption date, NUT had threatened to go on strike.
The Union warned that, if all measures to curb Ebola in schools before the set date were not adequately put in place, would lead to an industrial action.
Mrs Bukola Dosunmu, President,National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools described the strike as ridiculous stating that strike was not the solution to all problems.
She said it was unfortunate that Nigerians result to strike and boycott in resolving issues instead of helping the government ease their burden.
“In a responsible society everything is not left for the government to handle, the union should also make efforts on their own to prevent spread of Ebola.
“Though the NUT has a strong point but should everything be resolved with strike?
“It is just seven days to the resumption date, why the threat now? Why did the union not start their campaign from the onset of the resumption date announcement’’, Dosunmu said.
Dosunmu while speaking to NAN feels there is an ulterior motive to the strike threat as it was too late to cry.
She however advises that the union should address a news conference and state their demands, the exact measures they want to be put in place and give a timeline to its implementation.
According to her, the association of private schools is advocating for measures and not closure adding that they are making efforts to tackle the Ebola Virus Disease independently.
She disclosed that the association was working on a document that could be adopted by schools on ways to eradicate the deadly virus and protect children and teachers in schools.
The association president added that awareness was ongoing for parents, sick bay staff and scanners was being provided for school buses and school entrances to detect any one whose temperature was high.
Also speaking to NAN Mr John Olugbero, Director Learning, Premier Academy stated that Ebola was a sudden occurrence that wasn’t planned for.
He however appealed to NUT to consider the efforts made so far by the government in containing the disease and allow people go to school.
“I commend the effort the government has put in place and their immediate response in tackling the menace.
“I am appealing to the union of teachers to see the efforts of government; the authorities have even made the treatment of the disease free.
“Nigeria is almost Ebola free and children should go to school.
A science teacher with a government school in the FCT who pleaded anonymity said the strike was a welcome idea stating that the schools needed the health facilities to be put in place.
She stated that the demand of the NUT was for the benefit of the kids, teachers and the entire nation.
The teacher added that, before the outbreak of Ebola there used to be good toilets and hand washing facilities in schools but they were all broken down.
According to her children now defecate in bushes, adding that the Ebola epidemic was an opportunity to re-equip these schools and fix the broken down facilities.
She added that no government teacher in Nigeria was happy as their welfare package was very poor emphasisng that they were the trainers of leaders in the society.
The science teacher described the Nigeria system of education as analog stating that the world has become a global village but the country was still lacking behind in up to date science labs and teaching materials.
She stressed that all these must be put in place, to motivate teachers and create a better learning atmosphere. (NAN)
