Covid-19 no
doubt brought the whole world to its knees. It dealt the world several blows
that made everyone run into the safety of their homes. It crippled world major
activities, took away people’s jobs and for those who were not fortunate
enough, it took their lives.
When the
world became a little safe, with preventive measures discovered, activities
resumed and things began to go back to normal, but with slight changes.
Fast
forward to Nigeria…
The news of
the end of the 365 long days of ASUU strike brought every University student
joy. Students could not wait to go back to school. Preparations began right and
left, Students’ long-lost interest in the Nigerian education began to return,
until a shocker brought a rude interruption into the happy moments.
The
University of Ibadan;
“The
University would not be providing accommodation for anyone for one whole
semester in compliance to the covid-19 rules.” This announcement sounded like a
joke until it began to manifest and take effect with students getting
accommodation off campus at crazy and heart-breaking costs, with those who
could not afford off campus accommodation, clustering and “squatting” with
their friends.
Students
were still nursing this injury when the second phase of heartbreak rushed in
like a new bride welcoming her husband. “In order to comply to the covid-19
rules, classes would be virtual for one semester; no physical classes would
hold.” Physical classes have always been the fun part of being in the
University. Sitting in one chair all day listening to an audio class without
physical contact with lecturers and classmates can be daunting.
Its been 16
days into resumption with no sound of lectures happening anywhere. After 3
months, examinations will begin to draw closer likeshells do with snails.
The new
normal (virtual) holds hosts of uncertainties for students; electricity, which
has always been an unreliable factor in the country poises as a threat for the
virtual classes. Data costs for attending virtual classes are suicidal. The
network issues add salt to the already rotting injury.
“How do we
go about this virtual classes?” is the song on everybody’s lips, hoping that in
one way or the other, it favors them.
N G
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