The University of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says reopening schools without adherence to safety protocols is risky.
This was reported by its chairman, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, in a Sunday release which he made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
According to Akinwole, the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools could be immense if action was not taken to ensure safety, urging parents not to rejoice at the news of a potential school reopening.
He warned there will be no pecuniary benefits other than the lives of lecturers and their students.
"What we actually mean is that the Federal Government should obey its own set guidelines.
"Our role as a responsible union in all these is that the opening of schools among all these is an open invitation to the catastrophic eruption of the COVID-19 scourge on a scale that has never been experienced since its outbreak."
He said the union was aware that government agitations had been coming from some places to reopen schools.
He said private university owners are the ones driving the drive.
He said, "ASUU is not opposed to that call in any way.
"Still, this status should be challenged honestly by Nigerians. Has the Nigerian government followed the COVID standards of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)-19 protocols in our institutions?
"The pandemic at COVID-19 is still very much with us. It is in recognition of this fact that some requirements have been set out by the government itself to be met before the schools reopen.
According to the ASUU chairman, given the facilities available such as providing running water for handwashing, how many of our public institutions can confidently vouch for the protection of our children; social distance between students.
The use of approved face masks and gloves, which are key components of NCDC protocols, he identified others to include.
(NAN)
