ABU resumes January 25

The management of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Kaduna State has fixed Monday , January 25th , 2021 as the date for the reopening of the institution for academic activities.

However, the Director of Public Affairs of the ABU , Mallam Auwal Umar, said in a statement that the resumption date was subject to review by the Federal Government .

The statement titled, ‘ Ahmadu Bello University fixes January 25 for reopening, ’ said the resumption date was approved by the Senate of the University at its 501st ( Special ) Meeting on Tuesday.

The statement read , “ The 2019/2020 academic session would be completed based on the adjusted calendar as approved by the Senate .

“ The decision to reopen the University followed the suspension of ASUU strike , and the directive by National Universities Commission 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. ”
It added that the reopening of the university would be on a phased basis.

The statement said the first phase of resumption would include, all graduating /final-year students , 100 and 200 levels students , all clinical medical students and all postgraduate students to be handled virtually using online ICT- supported blended teaching and learning arrangement .

The second phase , the statement added , would comprise all other non -graduating classes , 300 level in the case of four- year degree programme , 300 and 400 levels in the case of five – year degree programme as well as 300, 400 and 500 levels in the case of six- year degree programme .

It added that “ It should be noted 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. Students who failed to complete and submit this form online will not be able to print their exams card.

“ In addition, the University Management would , within the limit of its resources , support the University Health Service with the provision of Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE) and a Holding Bay to ensure safe handling of any suspected cases .

“ Equally, Management would take all necessary actions to strengthen the security architecture of the University and assure the University community of adequate safety and security . ”