By ‘ Damilare Ajiboye
Students of the University of Ibadan have once again been reminded of the importance of observing Covid-19 protocols, even as they blend into physical resumption to complete the first half of the 2020/2021 academic session.
Speaking with student leaders across departments, faculties and hall of residence on Thursday, the Deputy Dean of Students, Dr. Demola Lewis, emphasized the need for all students to abide by the covid-19 protocol. “It’s important we protect ourselves; that is why we need to abide by these protocols,” Demola said.
Giving a guide on what to do, Demola stated that the university had taken steps to ensure that students have no reason not to follow the health protocol. He reemphasized thus: “The university has insisted that hand washing basins be installed in all the halls of residence. If you go round the halls now, you will see them.”
He urged students to be personally responsible, as the university is closely monitored by all relevant authorities. According to him, it would be a sad event if a case of Covid-19 arises in the hall of residence, and because of that single case, the university is shut down. “UI is so unique that I am very sure NUC will soon come to inspect our halls. Whatever happens here hits the headlines. So, we must take personal responsibility”.
When asked when the same efforts put into the halls of residence would be replicated at the faculty and departmental level, Demola said, unlike the halls of residence, the faculties have a different account and are run by their different Deans.
He urged students to await the same efforts in their faculties and departments, but if they don’t see it, they can humbly write to their Deans and Heads of Departments politely asking for the instalment of the hand washbasins, among other things heath items needed to fully observe the Covid-19 protocol.
While responding to a question on overcrowded lecture theatres like the CBN lecture theatre at the faculty of science, Demola said it wasn’t necessary for lecturers to hold physical classes if they know doing so would make the class overcrowded. He stated that the school had adopted a blended resumption for a reason, and that is so that virtual classes can continue for lectures taken by many students.
Coasting home on his remarks, Demola reminded students in the hall of residence that three Covid-19 infractions could get them kicked out of the halls by the authorities. He once again urged students to take personal responsibilities to avoid being kicked out of the halls.
Recall that authorities of the University of Ibadan had before now stated that the halls of residence would be run at half capacity, giving only fresh students, finalist, medically challenged, differently-abled and the students writing professional exams the opportunity to apply and reside in the hall after paying 27,000 naira as accommodation fee for the remainder of the 2020/2021 academic session. As of the time of filing this report, the accommodation application portal has been reopened by the school management to allow more students apply for accommodation.
