The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria has fixed Monday, January 25, 2021 as the date for reopening of the institution for the resumption of academic activities.
This is coming as the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has reportedly put on hold the January 18 resumption date, following the spike of COVID-19 infections across the country.
Releasing a statement on Tuesday, the ABU’s Director of Public Affairs, Auwalu Umar, said the reopening of the institution was approved by the Senate of the University at its 501 (Special) meeting held on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
According to the statement, the 2019/2020 academic session would be completed based on the adjusted calendar as approved by the Senate.
The university added that the reopening would be on a gradual and phased basis.
In the first phase, according to the statement, only final/graduating students, 100, 200 levels students and all clinical medical students will resume on January 25, while all post-graduate students will hold lectures virtually.
In the second phase of reopening, the university said all non-graduating students – 300 levels in the case of the 4-year course, 400 levels in the case of the 5-year course, and 500 levels in the case of 6-year course – will resume.
The statement, however, noted that the reopening is subject to further directives by the Federal and State governments.
The university said: “The decision to reopen the University followed the suspension of ASUU strike, and the directive by National Universities Commission (NUC) based on the advisory/clearance by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 that Universities could reopen as from 18th January, 2021 under strict observance of COVID-19 protocols.”
“It should be noted that all non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols would be strictly observed anywhere on campus and every student must submit online undertaking to abide by all the COVID-19 protocols both within and outside the Campus. Students who failed to complete and sumit the form online will not be able to print their exams card.
“In addition, the University Management would, within the limits of its resources, support the University Health Service (UHS) with the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a Holding Bay to ensure safe handling of any suspected cases.
“Equally, Management would take all necessary actions to strengthen the security architecture of the University and assure the University community of adequate safety and security.”
