UNN resumes today with postgraduate students, others return in seven days

Imo reopens schools on January 25

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is resuming academic activities for the remaining 2019/2020 session today with postgraduate students, while undergraduates are to return a week later.

The decision was a fallout of the 404th emergency meeting of its Senate, which held last week.

The announcement, which was contained in a statement issued by the institution’s registrar, Dr. Chris Igbokwe on its official website at the weekend, also sued for the observance of extant COVID- 19 safety protocols by both staff and students of the university.

The authorities advised undergraduates to make use of ICT tools such as mails, WhatsApp, text messages, and phone calls during learning to avoid over-crowding.

ALSO, the Imo State Government has directed schools to reopen on January 25.

The order was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard T. Ikegwuoha.

Besides, the Senate of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, rose from its meeting at the weekend, announcing that the ivory would resume the same day, directing students to return to their hostels on January 24 preparatory to resumption.

The directive captured in a statement issued by the Acting Registrar/ Secretary to Council, Dr. Julius Uzoma Osuagwu, and corroborated by the Public Relations Officer, Nze Ralph Njoku -Obi, adding that the students, lecturers, and workers must wear facemasks and comply with all non-pharmaceutical protocols on containment of the virus.

The commissioner stated: “All schools: Nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary Institutions are to reopen on Monday, January 25, 2021. All COVID-19 protocols must be compulsorily observed.”

The IMSU’s statement noted: “The Senate, at its meeting on Thursday, for the completion of the 2019/ 2020 session, approved an abridged time-table of academic events which mandates students to come into halls of residence on Sunday, January 24, 2021, while full academic activities commence on Monday, January 25, 2021.

“Students are advised to strictly adhere to all COVID -19 protocols.”

The UNN circular read in part: “Students are expected to utilise the handwashing materials provided in designated places in the university to wash their hands properly as they gain entry and depart various places.

“Students must comply with social distancing rules.

“Students are advised to strictly observe rules to avoid overcrowding in the hostels.

“Students are to use ICT tools such as official emails, WhatsApp, text messages, and phone calls to avoid overcrowding.

“Infrared thermometers will be provided to check the temperature of students before entry into hostels and lecture halls. Students with a temperature above tolerable levels or exhibit other symptoms of coronavirus will be referred to the university’s medical facilities.”