The University of Ghana, through its Business Committee, has issued the School’s academic calendar for the 2020/21 academic year.
Monitoring various platforms, most students have reservations on the double-track policy. According to the schedule, Final year students and Freshmen shall report to School in January for a six week lecture period instead of the 12 lecture weeks. Second and third-year students shall take their turns after the first batch in March.
This is in response to the university’s quest to minimize the spread of COVID-19 whiles ensuring smooth academic activities.
This arrangement, however, does not seem to be in sink with the General student population especially for the fact that many students are home fatigued the long stay at home, whereas other sections argue the arrangement retards academic progress.
In this episode, I seek to give my take on why the arrangement is a better option, especially at this point.
First of all, COVID-19 has proven not to be under control. Reports of second and third waves have been reported widely in Europe, America, and in Africa. There’s also a new strain of the virus from the UK, which according to Scientists, spreads faster than the former. The University of Ghana is home to some 40 000 students. Only about one-third of these students are housed. Opening school to this huge population is a high risk.
Secondly, increasing demand for Tertiary education is coming at a slower pace of infrastructural development. Annually, the University admits over 10,000 freshmen and less than one-fifth of this number are able to acquire accommodation on campus. A double-track arrangement allows the university to make more efficient use of existing resources whiles expanding gradually.
Economically, the pandemic has brought financial hardship to parents and self-financing students. Part-time jobs are no longer available for students to work while in school. A six-week arrangement is better at reducing hardship emanating from financial difficulties.
With a few reasons outlined, I am of the firm belief and agreement with Management for such a thoughtful and COVID-19 friendly approach.
This period shall allow students to be exposed to the realities of life outside school whiles allowing young people to gather valuable experiences as students.
Thank you.
