BY AGNES NWORIE, ABAKALIKI
VICE-CHANCELLOR of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, has announced the commencement of two learning models in the institution, as a make-up measure for the time wasted during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ogbu, who announced this in his address during the 22nd Matriculation ceremony of the institution, disclosed that both classroom and e-learning lectures would run concurrently and advised the new 5,156 students to shun activities that would jeopardise their graduation in due time.
The VC said this just as our correspondent observed that members of the Academic Staff Union of the Ebonyi State University boycotted the 22nd matriculation ceremony, owing to the lingering crisis rocking the institution, rated the 4th best state university in the country.
The crisis had resulted in the non-payment of staff salaries, and proscription of all labour unions, among others.
The Vice Chancellor, at the matriculation ceremony, noted that the University’s academic calendar and time table had been revised to boost efficient teaching and learning processes.
He said, “We have completed a three-floor mega Library and an ultra modern ICT building equipped to improve ICT services. All these and more are geared towards increased enriched academic learning environment in the University. You must be submissive to the authorities of the university, who have become your custodian, in the absence of your parents and guardians.
“In order to succeed here, you should make the general and academic regulations your companion as all the steps that will guide your journey have been spelt out there. Don’t succumb to negative enticement of the older students.
“As a student, don’t join the crowd; always think before you act. Be fully committed to your studies. So start today to prepare yourself, both in character and learning.
“Let me also say that after this matriculation, classes have started and it is very important you attend classes, because if you don’t attend up to 75 per cent of your classes, you have questions to answer.
“Now, you know we are faced with the challenge of COVID-19; the University’s academic calendar and time table are revised, so there is going to be intensive work on you. We have this issue of what COVID-19 has brought to us. We intend to have a two-model learning system – the in classroom lectures and virtual lectures.
“We are developing our e-learning platform. Our ICT directorate has developed a zoom system, which we will be using to give you lectures when you are not in the classroom.
“We planned that as soon as you return to school as you have done now, the directorate would arrange to have classes for you on how to utilise the e-learning platform. That will be done, starting from next week.”
The Coordinator of the University’s Work and Study program, Odicha Udeh, said he regretted the neglect of the educational sector by both the federal and state governments in Nigeria and suggested that the sector should be among the first three on the country’s priority list during allocations.
