With the directive that universities across the nation resume by January 18, the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC), has warned against the violation of the full cycle of the semester system consistent with the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) approved by the commission.
The Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration) NUC, Mr Chris Maiyaki gave the warning in a statement in Abuja at the weekend.
Maiyaki stated that the universities are further advised to adhere to other extant quality assurance standards and guidelines for a smooth and qualitative semester.
While noting that the lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus, had forced students to remain at home, Maiyaki further urged the universities to partner with the government to safeguard the lives of students and staff by strictly adhering to the safety protocols and guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on COVID-19.
Maiyaki noted that the guidelines have been communicated on several occasions to the university authorities from the commission, adding that officers of Grade Level 12 and below were to remain at home for a five-week period as earlier directed by the federal government.
He said: “on the resumption of academic activities, universities must under no circumstance violate the full cycle of the semester system, consistent with the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) approved by the NUC, as well as other extant quality assurance standards and guidelines”.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu