The Senate of the University of Calabar has said the institution would resume academic activities for the 2019/2020 session on February 5, 2021, and that it was introducing virtual teaching and learning due to COVID 19 pandemic.
A statement made available to Blueprint in Calabar, Sunday, and signed by the Registrar & Secretary to Council, Gabriel O. Egbe, said returning students would have to submit themselves to mandatory temperature check at the entrance to the hostels, classrooms, library, offices and other entry points, and that use of facemasks would also be mandatory.
The statement said: “The Senate of the University of Calabar has approved Friday 5th Febuary, 2021 as resumption date for academic activities for the 2019/2020 academic session. By this approval, all students are expected back on campus on 5th Febuary, 2021, while lectures shall commence in all departments on Monday 8th Febuary, 2021.”
It explained that arrangements had been put in place for virtual teaching and learning, using an online support medium and the institution’s ICT Unit to ensure seamless teaching, especially for large classes.
The institution advised students “to come along with their laptops, IPAD, android, smart phones and other electronic devices to be able to effectively key into this new method,” noting that the timetable committee has been directed to spread the schedule of lectures across six days of the week.
The statement further read in part: “lectures for all year one and graduating classes will hold from Monday through Wednesday; while years two and three lectures will hold from Thursday through Saturday. Students must observe social distancing and avoid clustering anywhere outside or inside the classrooms.
“Conscious of the increasing spread of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, Management has put in place mechanisms for the prevention, control and management of the dreaded disease. Students coming back to school must complement the efforts of Management by religiously adhering to all covid19 precautionary guidelines as approved by NCDC and the PTF, while on campus.
“Please note that the University policy on ‘no squatting in the Hostel’ is still in force. Students residing in the hostels are please reminded to take note. There shall be mandatory temperature check at the entrance to the hostels, classrooms, library, offices and other entry points. Students should willingly submit themselves for these checks.
“Hand washing materials will be strategically positioned for use by all. The task force shall ensure that students maintain social distancing and avoid body contacts at all times. Our Entrepreneurial centre has been mandated to mass- produce quality hand sanitizers for distribution within the university community at highly subsidized rates. Students are at liberty to buy their own sanitizers and use them regularly.
“Please note also, that it is compulsory for all students, staff and visitors to the university to wear face masks while on campus. The taskforce shall enforce and ensure strict compliance to these guidelines.”
