The Sub-dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, CoMUI, Dr Obajimi, said that academic activities for clinical students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) would not be suspended in view of the coming general elections. He informed ABH Press in a virtual interview in the early hours of Friday, February 17, 2023.
The directive by the National Universities Commission (NUC) was passed down on February 9 to all Vice-Chancellors to shut down universities from February 22 till March 14, for security reasons; and in order to enable students whose polling units are far away from school to exercise their franchise in the coming general elections. This was based on the order given by the Federal Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, and said to be in response to calls from people from various parts of the country.
In the wake of this order, Brownites have been curious to know whether academic activities on the clinical side of the University of Ibadan would be suspended, affording them a 3-week break. Speaking with Brownites, they expressed divergent expectations as regards the unfolding of events on this side of the university. Some prayed for the break they saw looming on the horizon, while some against it. An overwhelming majority of Brownites expressed uncertainty, as they anticipated a notice from the college to dissolve all doubts.
Temitayo Oluwagbemi, BDS 2K21, said, “I believe the order will affect CoMUI. There’s still time for a notice from the college.” However, Deborah Adepoju, BMLS 2K19, said, “I’m hoping the order doesn’t affect us. Many of us chose ABH as our polling unit. Also, travelling at that period isn’t going to be the safest of plans. So it’s better one stays put till everything is over. Besides, I believe UCH is still going to be bubbling with activities and so it will be a rash decision to send everyone home.”
While Brownites may continue in school throughout the period of the elections, if no memo from the college orders otherwise; students on the main campus of the university would be taking classes virtually from home during the election period, from February 27 to March 14. Physical classes would continue from March 15.
