Kenya is planning a phased reopening of universities from September. To this effect, universities have been asked to consider a staggered resumption of studies to be able to conform with physical and social distancing requirements, especially in halls of residence, lecture rooms and dining halls.
A report by the University World News quoted the country’s Education Cabinet Secretary Professor George Magoha, as saying that the reopening of universities for face-to-face sessions will be on a case-by-case basis based on approved compliance with the Ministry of Health COVID-19 protocols.
For the main time, universities have been told to continue to conduct virtual teaching and learning and conduct online graduations for students who have successfully completed their programmes and have met graduation requirements set by their respective senates.
READ ALSO: Nigerian government issues guidelines on school reopening
Magoha said, “All institutions allowed to reopen must comply with COVID-19 regulations or risk closure. All the decisions that we have made with the stakeholders regarding reopening of learning institutions may change as informed by reports from the Ministry of Health, prevailing circumstances and increased knowledge of COVID-19.”
As part of the minimum reopening conditions, institutions are expected to reduce physical contact by having fewer learners.
READ ALSO: UNILORIN to move 70% lectures to virtual platforms when schools resume
“Social or physical distancing is the most critical factor in ensuring the safety and health of learners for reopening of learning institutions. Hand-washing with soap and-or use of sanitisers, wearing of face masks and monitoring body temperature will be the minimum requirements for the health and safety of learners,” Magoha said.
-Advertisement-
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kenya has been on a steady rise with the government projecting that the rate of COVID-19 infection may likely reach a peak in August and September.
The Universities’ Academic Staff Union (UASU) has argued for a phased approach to reopening. “Universities have to demonstrate the availability of resources for maintaining social distancing, testing, contact tracing and isolating new cases in every public university,” the union had said.
READ ALSO: Use tertiary institutions’ spaces for WASSCE, Afe Babalola counsels FG
Since closure, universities have turned to online learning to keep students on course to finish their courses, although this has not been going on well as the online learning infrastructure in most universities is inadequate and most lecturers untrained to handle online learning.
We do everything possible to supply quality news and information to all our valuable readers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this.
Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.
-Advertisement-
-Want to get the news as it breaks?-
