“The calendar has been stopped immediately ASUU embarked on strike”_- DEAN, Students’ Affairs 

Olokooba Abdulwasiu reports

As there seems to be a tentative agreement between the Federal government and the academic staff union of universities on the lingering industrial action embarked upon by the union in November last year.
Many students of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto are already yawning of resuming into campus and would probably prefer to resume immediately after the strike ends.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Dean of Students’ Affairs division of the university , Prof.  Aminu Mode cleared the air on different notions students might have been harbouring regarding the school academic calendar.

He said : “Before the strike started on November 5, last year, we only spent two weeks for lectures. Immediately the strike is called off, we will add the remaining weeks to the calendar so that the students will be well taught before the commencent of exams.”

 However, the NEWSDIGEST learnt that, there is a speculation going around that the university would not be total considerate while drafting or adjusting the calendar, due to the number of days wasted on strike and despite the fact it’s still on. Reacting to this, the Dean described such as just a mere rumour that lacks credibility, noting that the calendar has been paused and the university would never allowed students to use lesser weeks than what they ought to use for a normal semester.

“How can we examine the students without teaching them? I personally see it as impossible. I must teach before I ask students questions. The calendar has been stopped immediately ASUU embarked on strike. The management will never allow students to use lesser than the weeks they ought to use before they commence exams” –  explained, Prof. Mode

Considering the unpredictable atmosphere during the forthcoming general election in sokoto and its environs, Prof. Mode said the calendar had initially drafted with that in mind if not for the strike. He clarified : “If not for the strike, the calendar was initially drafted in such a way that the first semester would finish before the elections. Hence, everybody will go back to his/her states and vote as they wish.”

“What I assure is that the management will always have the students in mind even more than you may expect. We always make decisions in their favour and ensure they’re not being deprived of their rights. As per elections, the university always give time for students to participate either to vote or involve as INEC Ad hoc staff even if the school is in session.” – he added.