Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Covid-19 devastated Benue State University, (BENSU) is asking everyone to wake up to the reality of the pandemic in a letter that has to be read to be appreciated in terms of what might be going on in Benue State of Nigeria. This is done below in full except the logo depicting his office:
This is to write and inform you that samples collected from me and sent to Abuja for COYID-19
testing returned a positive test result to me today (9/7/2020). A few days after the samples were
taken and sent to Abuja, I went into one of the isolation facilities in Makurdi. I am writing to p lead
with you to take this pandemic seriously. It is blind to relations, friendships and knows neither
enemy nor friend. It is not partisan. Already we have lost Professor Godwin Achinge and a senior
security staff. A few other staff have tested positive and are in isolation for management. Our
prayers are with families of the deceased and those in isolation, and we are hopeful that all of
them will recover to continue the toil in the university’s vineyard.
This is not a time for rumors and finger pointing, what is happening is beyond humanity’s present
understanding and control; that is just the truth. Those who are prone to going to social med ia l
with innuendoes, rumors and accusations must stop, no matter how much they think they are
provoked. Whatever is happening must lead us to working more responsibly so that we can keep
our university together for our tomorrow and our children’s future.
Going forward I urge all to learn and practice online meetings as much as possible. This is not a
joke. Our lives have to come first for us to survive to be able to carry the university idea as a
priority. This responsibility has fallen into our hands today. Together we cannot falter, we cannot
disappoint. We cannot rest on our oars. It is going to be a long night but God and history are o n
side.
For those in isolation, I wish you very quick recovery and once more my prayer is that w e will
soon come out of the tunnel to continue with our toils.
The new staff whose salaries have not been paid will soon be paid. There were outstanding issues
the Visitor wanted explained to him. Explanations have been given and we are hopeful that this
unfortunate delay, which, continues to cause much pain to you, will be resolved very soon to show
you mean so much to the university and are the cornerstone of our future.
Accept the best of my regards and please, it’s our responsibility to stay safe. Do not cede that
responsibility, take it with your two hands and use it wisely. God in heaven is watching over us
and will see us through this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Zacharys Anger Gundu
Pro-Chancello r and Chairman of Council,
Benue State University Makurdi
