ABU Zaria announces date for school resumption

It was announced that on Monday 25 January 2021, will be the resumption of academic activities in Ahmadu Bello University, ABU Zaria.

In a statement made available to journalists, the Director of Public Affairs of the University, Mallam Auwalu Umar, clarified that the Order is subject to further directives that may be issued by the Federal government and Kaduna State government.

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

The statement further clarified that the decision to reopen the university followed the suspension of the ASUU strike and the directives of the National Universities Commission (NUC) based on the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force’s advisory/clearance that universities will reopen under strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols as of 18 January 2021.

Furthermore, ABU Zaria Director confirmed that the reopening of the University would be on a phased basis, with all graduate/final year students and 100 and 200 students at the first level.

Similarly, according to the declaration, all clinical medical students and all postgraduate students must be treated virtually using blended teaching and learning arrangements assisted by online ICT.

In the second phase, it clarified that in the case of the 4-year degree programme, all other non-graduate courses and 300 levels, as well as in the case of the 5-year degree programme, were at 300 and 400 levels.

In the case of the 6-year degree program, for the 300, 400 and 500 levels, it specified that all non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols would be strictly followed anywhere on campus and that every student had to send an undertaking online to comply with all COVID-19 protocols both within and outside the campus.

The declaration warned that students who have not completed and submitted this form online could not print their exam card.

In addition, University Management will assist the University Health Service (UHS) with the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and a Holding Bay within the limits of its resources to ensure the safe handling of any suspicious cases.

Similarly, it said that management will take all appropriate measures to improve the university’s security architecture and ensure adequate safety and security for the group.