A Chartered Accountant and Deputy Bursar II, Bursary Department in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Mrs. Aderonke Adeofun has advised members of staff of the University to spend wisely during the current COVID-19 Pandemic.
Mrs. Adeofun, who gave the advice during a chat with FUNAAB Bulletin said nobody knows what the post COVID-19 will present, thereby advising all members of staff to manage their salaries wisely and not engage in impulse purchases of unnecessary items, saying survival is the goal during situations like this.
In view of curbing the spread of the pandemic, the Deputy Bursar II supported government regulations and protocols of managing the pandemic. The protocols which include maintaining social and physical distancing, use of face mask, maintenance of basic hygiene, washing of hands, usage of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, as well as avoiding crowded places.
According to Mrs. Adeofun, the COVID-19 lockdown afforded her opportunity to relax, and promoted close family interaction. She added that the period made it possible for her to acquire more knowledge on some areas of her profession and to relate very well with her neighbours.
While confirming that Bursary Staff of the University were doing skeletal services during the lockdown from home, the Deputy Bursar II said they were able to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic and the need to work from home.
Mrs. Adeofun, affirmed that Corona Virus is real. Noting that she had interacted with some frontline health personnel that confirmed that the virus is real in the country with its attendant negative impacts on the economy, businesses, health and all other sectors.
She however advised government at all levels to improve infrastructure in the health sector and grant financial support to it (both public and private) in order to be able to manage the health needs of Nigerians.
The Chartered Accountant also canvassed for the continued distribution of palliatives to the poor and vulnerable in the society, saying that the impact of the virus cannot really be quantified for now, most especially among the teeming population.
She commended the Federal Government for easing the lockdown and allowing some categories of staff to resume work, adding that with time, Nigerians will have their lives back.
Sharing his own experience on the lockdown, Mr. Olabisi Alawode, a Clerical Staff in the Directorate of Internal Audit, said, that “The lockdown period was a difficult period”. No one was free to do anything, no going out or engaging in active activities.
According to him, “I missed my work”. Stating that before now, he was used to leaving his house by 5:00am most times, but under the lockdown, he was just indoor most often. Mr. Alawode said that he was able to keep up his daily activities by helping his wife out in her shop any day the lockdown was relaxed.
