COVID-19: Edo varsity commences second semester online

The Edo State University in Iyamho has commenced the second semester for its 2019/2020 academic session online due to the lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Isoken Ogboro, the varsity’s registrar, in a statement on Sunday, said the semester would proceed via the institution’s Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) and Academic Information Systems (AIS).

She also directed all the students to visit both platforms to kick-start academic activities, stating that registration begins on Monday.

“Students courses registration would commence on Monday April 27, through the AIS/LMS platform while the 2nd semester academic lectures would also start on Monday May 4,” read the statement.

According to the registrar, the varsity had recently introduced the AIS in its system to allow both the management and parents monitor, evaluate, and access their wards’ academic activities.

The varsity’s decision to commence the new semester comes as academic institutions across the country have started seeking new ways to minimise the disruption being caused by the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

Adamu Adamu, the minister of education, had earlier stated that efforts had been ongoing to consolidate alternatives to in-person lectures before the pandemic broke out.

“Some are already giving their lessons, some online, and the ministry is working with the Nigeria Television Authority and the FRCN to start giving lectures, not just because of COVID-19. I hope this would become a permanent feature of our education system,” he had said.

“So, lessons would be given online. Last time I met with the vice-chancellors, I even talked to the press and told them I have directed institutions of higher learning to start thinking of giving people lessons where they are.”