Professor E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb., FCAI.
Ag Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
INFORMATION TO PARENTS AND STUDENTS.
In line with our well-known and treasured predictable Academic Calendar, the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, was preparing to commence the Second Semester Examinations 2019/2020 Academic Session, in March. The Friday, March 20, 2020 directive by the National Universities Commission, (NUC) requested all tertiary institutions to close down academic activities and ask students to leave campuses on or before Monday, March 23, 2020.
The leadership of the university was naturally concerned by the directive which was occasioned for the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians. The University Management carefully explored modalities that could be used to ensure continuity in its various activities including the 2nd semester 2019/2020 session examination. Unfortunately, this was bifurcated by majority of the students themselves who went on-line agitating that they wanted to go home.
Furthermore, a survey initiated by the Founder himself was carried out by the executive members of the Students Representative Council (SRC) on undergraduate students to test their view on the immediate closure of the institution. On pressures from parents and overwhelming majority of our students’ demand to immediately allow them to travel home, the University closed, although arrangements had been put in place by the Senate to commence examinations earlier.
The situation caused by the Corona virus pandemic in the country escalated as more cases of deaths due to COVID-19 were recorded. In addition, to the partial lock down of some states in the country, including Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun State, the Federal Government took further measures and limited the number of worshipers in churches, mosques services and meetings to as low as between 20 and 50.
This has been further compounded by the recent harvest of deaths in Kano, this week, which has necessitated a total lockdown of the entire Kano State and partial lockdowns in many states in the country such as Kogi, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti.
Despite the unexpected, sudden and radical changes brought about by COVID-19, ABUAD timely commenced engaging its students in online interactive learning using the University’s e-Learning Management System (LMS) Platform. Indeed, and in truth, we have been keeping our students fully engaged during this period. We are satisfied that our students are kept busy and our lecturers are fully engaged.
We are aware that many of our students are now restive. They want to come back to school. Unfortunately, the status quo of staying at home must remain until the Federal Government lifts its order closing all educational institutions in the country.
We are using this medium to appeal to our students to please remain at home and comply with the World Health Organization’s directive by maintaining good personal hygiene and taking all other necessary precautions to stay safe.
Meanwhile, our on-line interactions continue. Even though COVID-19 has led to a high toll of casualty round the world, we can take solace in the gift of life and good health. We shall keep you updated periodically on going forward.
We miss you.
Professor E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb., FCAI.
Ag Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD)
30th April, 2020.