The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ignore the pressure from school owners, who have been trying to prevail on it to shift its position on school resumption.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the TUC pitched its tent with the government and health professionals, who have advised that resumption date of schools be extended until further notice after losing some experienced health workers and other innocent citizens.
The statement signed by TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa Lawal, noted that prior to the Ebola outbreak there was the insecurity challenge which has so far remained unabated, even though it has claimed thousands of lives and displaced indigenes of the whole of North-east.
“In fact, as it stands now even if the crisis ends today billion of naira would be required to reconstruct and rehabilitate people who have lost their properties and loved ones to the dreaded sect. The wisdom in government’s decision should be commended rather than calling for schools resumption which will spell doom for the country”.
The Congress also noted that some schools lack basic amenities including water and sanitizers, insisting that a lot of money would be required to run school now.
“We are in a trial time and we all have to take caution; else we stand to lose more lives just to make more money. To us, it will amount to penny wise pound foolish.
“While the Congress appreciates school owners and their effort to save our decaying education system, as exemplified in the last May-June West African Examination Council (WAEC) results, they should also take into cognizance that it is only those who are alive that can go to school. It is our thinking that you don’t cut off the nose to spite the face.
“We must not forget that during the long holiday students travelled far and wide, interacted and had contacts with people, which requires that they should be properly monitored on resumption to avoid unnecessary problems. This is where the wisdom in the federal government’s decision should be seen because it will afford the proprietors and proprietresses of schools the opportunities to be prepared before the students come in. It must be noted that students are most vulnerable, because of relative ignorance. Hence we feel that to avoid further spread, schools should remain shut until further notice.
“The Congress feels sorry for the inconveniences this might cause; however, it appears to be the last and best option for now if we must make a head way in the fight against the dreaded Ebola disease, ”the statement reads.