Following the approval of the Edo state government for schools in the state to resume academic activities on February 1, the University of Benin has asked students to return to campus the same day.
Schools across the country were shut down for months owing to the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the recently suspended nine-month-old ASUU strike which disrupted academic activities.
Although UNIBEN had earlier announced January 30 as a resumption date, the Edo government halt the process owing to the COVID-19 scare despite the federal government earlier giving the nod for schools to reopen January 18.
In another statement made available to CAMPUS GIST on Tuesday, however, the UNIBEN management announced February 1 as the resumption date for the 2019/2020 academic session.
Endorsed by the University spokesperson, Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the statement directed students to come into the halls of residence on February 1, as lectures, both physical and online, will commence immediately.
Dr. Ehanire said only students with official receipts of payment of school charges, who have successfully filled, submitted, and printed a mandatory on-line questionnaire would be allowed into halls of residence and lecture theatres.
She added that students residing in the school hostels are expected to bring along, at least, five pieces of washable face mask and two 5mls vials of hand sanitizers each.
The spokesperson said staff members and students are to constantly wear their face masks, as the COVID-19 protocols would be strictly enforced by the university.
“The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lilian Salami, on behalf of management, looks forward to welcoming all students to campus for a more fulfilling academic session,” Ehanire added.
Meanwhile, the University management insists that the earlier announced Academic Calendar remains unchanged as on-line and physical classes will fully commence immediately.
The 2019/2020 academic session first semester is expected to run from February 1 until the 1st of April, 2021, while the second semester is billed to commence on April 5, 2021.
UNIBEN under the leadership of Prof. Lilian Salami as vice-chancellor says it is committed to ensuring the provision of quality education to students “without compromising on our collective safety.”
