Caleb University Moves Activities to E-Learning Platform, Distributes COVID-19 Palliatives

As some Nigerian universities continue to find it difficult to move their lectures to e-learning platforms since the suspension of classroom teachings occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, has commenced e-learning without any form of disruption to its academic calendar.

In addition to conducting regular academic and training online,   student political activities and other regular activities, including spiritual, have moved to the university’s platform, according to the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nosa Owens-Ibie.

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He said that student enrolment on the e-learning platform moved from 8% on April 20 this year to almost 100% by the beginning of July 2020.

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To achieve this, the VC explained that the academic staff of the institution went through five different training sessions that enabled them to gain a mastery of teaching and assessment tools available on the e-learning platform.

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Aside the periodic guidelines circulated to students, he said that general training sessions as well as college and departmental-level trainings were organised for the students.  He added that all students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as lecturers were granted free access to various e-library resources, to enhance research, learning, teaching experience and capacity.

Since physical resumption has been impossible due to COVID-19 pandemic, the university, the vice chancellor said, had given students who had already paid their accommodation fees for the semester, the option of carrying such component of the fees forward or getting a refund.

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He, however, said that  all students were  allowed to register for courses on the university’s  portal during the semester, irrespective of their fee status, while those unable to pay fees due to COVID-19 challenges, were given access to the university’s e-learning platform .

He said, “Numerous other social, political and spiritual activities are also going on virtually.  The Student Representatives Council (SRC) elections are ongoing, with students currently campaigning to solicit votes for various positions. Activities will culminate in manifesto presentation and the inauguration of the new executive, virtually.

“The University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and godly character has continued, with an optional online prayer meeting once a month.”

In furtherance of its Corporate Social Responsibility, he said the University had commenced the phase 2 of its palliative distribution exercise.   “During the Phase 1 of the exercise which took place in April, various foodstuffs were distributed to 3,000 residents of Imota.  We have commenced the Phase 2 exercise with the distribution of other COVID-19 relief materials including branded Sanitiser and Facemask produced by the University to residents of Ikorodu, Imota, Agbowa, Adamo and Isiu, which are all immediate communities of the institution,” the VC explained.

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Going by the progress the university has been making since  lockdown, the vice chancellor is optimistic that “when normalcy returns and the lockdown is lifted,  the current Initiatives of Caleb University will serve as catalyst for plans which will further position the university as a destination of choice for discerning parents and students.”