A delayed hope makes the heart sick goes a wise adage. Little wonder there has been mixed reactions among students since the release of the new academic calendar. Some questions have popped up: is it that we have resumed but not technically or that we have not resumed? Practically every Uite has become a news correspondent in this regard. It is not oblivious that students, lecturers, and families are facing new pressures on their time and resources during this period. Under these exceptional circumstances, managing competing priorities requires apt coordination and exchange across sub-units so as to provide incentives that strengthen implementation of plans and improve efficiency.
The era of resumption before this time was June 2019 for the 2018/2019 academic session. After so much uncertainty, it is finally the dawn of resumption of the 2020/2021 academic session following the hiatus of its immediate sibling. Yet, this phase is much more than reopening the gates and readmitting students.
Coming to mind is the Students’ Union Motto –Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta. Another fresh struggle has begun. Some are even confused whether to resume or not as many of them have moved on. Incessant internal strikes behoove the reality of education in the premier University in addition to the nationwide strike of the different professional bodies therein. For many, leaving their businesses to resume and be met with another strike of unknown duration is not worth it. For some, it is rather the harsh economic situation that has put them in a dicey situation. As such, broad coordination, effective targeting, and continual use of data/information to adjust and improve approaches for survival cannot be over emphasised.
Poor communication with those at the receiving end of decision making processes characterises every level of government in this country. Meanwhile, successful reopening rely on trust which can be built and maintained by engaging communities(students) in planning for reopening and by clearly communicating through credible channels. This should precede conclusions on decision making. It should not be surprising considering how highly non inexpensive education has become. The release of the academic calendar was not without the information that there is no provision for on campus accommodation, thus abandoning the fate of the students in the hands of economically hungry agents and landlords/landladies. In addition is the apparent increase in fees. It was just like yesterday when medical students were decrying the sudden upsurge in their fees. The fact that students get to bear the brunt of every situation is frustrating!
This is not leaving out the fact that the undergraduates result for the 2018/2019 academic result is yet to be released. A number of students are after this release rather than resuming. The released calendar has begun its race with one week gone and no certainty of lectures beginning in the second week. Many students left the (dis)comfort of their homes to be able to fully concentrate on their academics only to be met with this reality. Nonetheless, with one of the popular words here in the premier University, we can say to ourselves: “we go dey alright las las” even though “there is no time to waste time”.
Though many resigned to the fate of being the pawn in the game of power and politics, they are watching with folded arms and crossed legs. They can’t wait to get this over with. After all, it is a virtual semester. Gone will be the days of queuing to sign courses or going to and fro checking if the course advisor is available. This has been so much anticipated though. Here we are in the aftermath of COVID-19 school closure!
To those who have resumed physically and those still in their abode far off, we say –welcome back and best wishes for the new session.
