Isiaq Ibrahim reports
The students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto have expressed dissatisfaction over the proposed 2022/2023 academic calendar released by the school management on Tuesday, 14th March.
According to the proposed calendar signed by the Director of Academic Planning Unit of the University, Dr K.G. Muhammad, the 2022/2023 academic session is scheduled to begin on 3rd April 2023 and end on Saturday, 13th January 2024.
Registration of returning students would begin on Monday, 3rd April to Saturday, 15th April, while that of new students would start on Monday, 17th April to Saturday, 29th April.
The calendar estimated 13 weeks lecture, one week mild-semester break, four weeks examination and three weeks end of semester activities for the first semester.
The second semester is also scheduled for 13 weeks lecture, one week mild-semester break, four weeks examination and four weeks end of semester activities.
According to the calendar, the 2023/2024 academic session is expected to commence on 12th February 2024.
Reacting to the development, Adebayo Abolaji Olamilekan, a 400-level student Agriculture said the proposed calendar, owing to the setbacks the students had experienced, is too long.
“My discipline is a 5-years course, COVID-19 pandemic and ASUU strike have hindered my education activities. My expectation was that next year will be my final year in this school, due to this proposed calendar there’s no assurance that I will finish my academics next year.”
“I hope and pray the senate should make some amendments before approving the calendar,” he pleaded.
Ibrahim Kamaja, a 200-level student of Primary Education also said,”We plead to the management to help us adjust the proposed calendar for the conveniences of students.”
Also, Maisuna Adam, a 300-level student of Business Administration on his own part said the duration of the calendar worries him, particularly the 13 weeks lecture period.
“At least the management should consider the welfare of students that are from far places. We demand for short time academic sessions not extended ones.”
Meanwhile, Garba Issa Garba, a 200-level student of Sociology raises concern over the remoteness of the calendar.
“As it was stated in the proposed calendar that the registration of returning students is to commence before the registration of new students, this obviously seems remote.”
Adding that “In normal circumstances, new students registration is expected to start before returning students. That is how it is supposed to be done and that is how it has been, not until I saw the proposed calendar.”