‘Reopening!’ Ahmadu Bello University announces date for resumption of academic activities

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) is to resume academic activities on Monday, 25th January, 2021.

The University Director Public Affairs Directorate, Mallam Auwalu Umar, in a statement made available to newsmen explained that the directive is subject to further directives that may be issued by the Federal and Kaduna State governments.

According to the statement, the reopening of the institution was approved by the Senate of the University at its 501st (Special) Meeting held on January 12, 2021 which informed the 2019/2020 academic session would be completed based on the adjusted calendar as approved by the Senate.

The statement further explained that the decision to reopen the University followed the suspension of ASUU strike, and the directives by the 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.

The Director further stated that the reopening of the University would be in gradual basis with the first phase being all graduating/final year students and 100 and 200 levels students.

Similarly, according to the statement, all clinical medical students and all postgraduate students are to be handled virtually using online ICT supported blended teaching and learning arrangements.

In the second phase, it explained that all other non-graduating classes and 300 level in the case of 4-year degree programme as well as 300 and 400 levels in the case of 5-year degree programme.

For the 300, 400 and 500 levels in the case of 6-year degree programme, it said that all non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols would be strictly observed anywhere on campus and every student must submit online an undertaking to abide by all the COVID-19 protocols both within and outside the campus.

The statement warned students who failed to complete and submit this form online would not be able to print their exams card.

Also, the University Management would, within the limit 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, it said Management would take all necessary actions to strengthen the security architecture of the university and assure the community of adequate safety and security.