UNIBEN, BUK, UNILORIN… varsities that have announced resumption dates

Some Nigerian universities have announced resumption dates — months after halting academic activities due to the strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

ASUU had embarked on an indefinite strike in March last year over the non-implementation of agreements the federal government reached with it in 2009.

But the union conditionally suspended the over nine-month industrial action in December following series of negotiations with the federal government.

Weeks after the development, some varsities in the country are gearing up to resume academic activities.

TheCable Lifestyle examines universities in the country that have announced their resumption dates so far.

Bayero University Kano (BUK)

The senate of BUK has announced January 18, as the first semester commencement date for undergraduates while the second semester will begin on May 3, for undergraduates.

In a memo signed by Fatima Binta-Mohammed, its registrar, the institution said postgraduate students will start their first semester on January 18, while the second semester will begin on June 1.

The development comes at about the same time when the institution cancelled its 2019/2020 session which was disrupted by the ASUU strike.

UNILORIN

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Kwara state has also announced January 11, as its resumption date.

In a statement, Kunle Akogun, the varsity’s director of corporate affairs, said the decision was taken at the 285th emergency meeting of the senate held virtually on Thursday.

Akogun, however, said lectures would be held virtually for the time being in compliance with the directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“Following the suspension of the nine-month industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, the senate of the University of Ilorin has approved the resumption of academic activities for the Rain Semester from Monday, January 11, 2021,” the statement read.

“Lectures will, however, be through an online platform in line with the directive of the National Universities Commission…”

UNIBEN

Similarly, the senate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in Edo state has approved January 30, as the resumption date for students of the institution.

Benedicta Ehanire, the institution’s public relations officer, who broke the news, said the date was fixed by the varsity’s senate during its meeting held on Monday.

“The semester is expected to run until April 1, 2021, while the second semester is billed to commence on April 5, 2021,” it read.

“For the 2020/2021 amended calendar, new students are to undergo online clearance between April 5 and 30, 2021. Their orientation will start on May 3, 2021.

“All returning students are required to fill an online questionnaire and submit the print-out to the Dean of Students’ Affairs before resumption and adhere strictly to the non-medical protocols of COVID-19

“The students are also advised to have an android/smartphone or device as e-learning has become inevitable, while they are expected to comply with acceptable dress codes as determined by the University in line with societal norms and values. Returning students with any ailment are to ensure that they are properly treated before resumption.”

LASU

According to the management of the Lagos State University (LASU), the institution was already in session.

Tokunbo Wahab, special adviser to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state governor, however, revealed that only final year students would be allowed to enter the institution’s premises for now.

The move, Wahab said, was to prevent an overcrowded population of students amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He added that students at other levels would be allowed into the school gradually, explaining that the measure applies to other tertiary institutions under the control of the state.

It was gathered that more universities, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), would also announce their resumption dates in the coming weeks.