In spite of the national industrial action embarked upon by members of the non teaching staff of Nigerian universities, the University of Ibadan, UI, has informed the public that the second semester examinations for the 2016/17 academic session would commence as scheduled from January 8, 2018.
The non academic staff of the Nigerian universities comprising of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, Non- Academic Staff Union of Universities and Associated Institutions, NASU, and National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, have commenced nationwide strike action since Monday December 4 2017 after a week of violent protests in some universities including the premier university.
According to a statement signed by UI’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, this is sequel to the outcome of the special meeting of the institution’s senate held on Friday January 5 2018.
In the statement, Olayinka assured students, parents and all stakeholders that adequate security and other arrangements have been put in place to ensure the seamless conduct of the examinations and the relative comfort of students on campus.
The statement reads, “Despite the peculiarity of the prevailing situation on campus, occasioned by the on-going industrial action, the University Management is determined to always act in the best interest of its students. It is our desire to conclude this session as scheduled so that our final year students can proceed to the next phase of their life endeavours. For instance, it will enable most of our final year students to be mobilised for the National Youth Service Corp Scheme and our graduating Law students proceed to the Law School. It is unfortunate that our students have hitherto been denied many opportunities owing to elongated sessions occasioned by disruptions in the academic calendar.
“The University, therefore, seeks the maximum cooperation and understanding of all students and assures relevant stakeholders that it has made provisions for security and the supply of essential services on campus for the duration of the Second Semester Examinations. All students are advised to have proof of identification and be security conscious. Students are requested to visit their Departments and Faculties for the Examinations Timetable.
“Kindly disregard any information to the contrary”.
It was gathered that security operatives specifically, the police, will be on guard to arrest any unhealthy situation.
PMNEWS also gathered that the aggrieved protesting staff have signed undertakings not to cause any trouble while the examination lasted.
