The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said that Nigerian Universities may not resume activities amidst the second wave of coronavirus pandemic.

The university lecturers union called off its strike recently, after a long drawn negotiation with federal authorities for a better working condition.

The industrial action left public universities closed for 9-months, and academic activities were scheduled to resume on January 18.

The latest disclosure by ASUU National President, Biodun Ogunyemi could now jeopardise plans.

Mr. Ogunyemi, speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday raised concern on the safety of universities staff and students across the country amidst the raging second wave of coronavirus.

He said Nigerian universities do not have the capacity to cope amidst coronavirus pandemic.

“Our concern is rooted in the safety of our members,” Mr. Ogunyemi said. “What happens to congested hostels, crowded classrooms? What flexible arrangements are in place? It is a situation of emergency. I’m not sure the Universities can cope.”

The university don said adopting e-learning as an alternative to ensure academics continue in universities regardless of the pandemic is not feasible as many students will not be able to afford the cost.

“ASUU has been talking about revitalisation since 2012. These are some of the areas where the assistance would have helped. Universities need huge funds to do this. People are saying start virtual classes, but more than 60 percent of our students will run into trouble – they can’t afford data or smartphones.”

So far, Nigeria has recorded 101,331 cases of coronavirus, 80,491 has been treated and discharged, while 1,361 deaths have been recorded due to the pandemic.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday warned that hospitals may no longer be able to cope as the number of reported cases of coronavirus continue to spike.