By Salim Yunusa
Students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria are left stranded as the school awaits approval from the state government to resume its academic activities.
It will be recalled that the university had on Tuesday, 12th January 2021, announced its decision to reopen for resumption of academic activities on Monday, 25th January 2021, subject to further directives by the Federal and Kaduna State governments.
In a press statement signed by Malam Auwalu Umar, the Director, Public Affairs Directorate, ABU said, “The state government sent a verification team to the university on Wednesday, 20th January 2021 to specifically assess ABU’s compliance with COVID-19 preventive protocols. The University has indeed enjoyed tremendous cooperation from the team during the assessment tour.”
“The university wishes to reassure all parents, students and other stakeholders that whatever decision communicated to the institution will be conveyed to them immediately for further action,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, SAHELIAN TIMES reports that students have already started returning to the school, prior to the latest press release by ABU. Motor parks and the immediate host communities of both campuses have recorded the influx of students last week.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, complained of the further delay, saying “It is not fair all other schools have resumed and we’re still not allowed to. What are we going to do now that we’re back in Zaria? We just want to complete our studies. We’ll comply to every rule they set.”
SAHELIAN TIMES reporter noted that every entrance to the campus is manned by security and no one is allowed access without a face mask.
