In a press release by Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, February 7, a stand was made on continuation of blended mode of studying regardless of students’ protests.
The University Management received several inquiries from students and other stakeholders regarding the decision to proceed with the blended mode of teaching and learning, despite the full reopening of the economy and had this to publicize;
- Firstly, it should be noted that the decision to continue with the blended mode of teaching and learning was taken before the full reopening of the economy. Therefore, all arrangements for the first semester and subsequent approvals by Senate and Council were made against this background.
- Secondly, the country is experiencing a surge in infections by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and yet not all students and members of staff have been vaccinated. It should be further noted, that the blended teaching and learning using Open Distance and E-Learning (ODeL) policy was approved in 2015 as the most appropriate mode of teaching and learning in the modern higher education provision.
- The University considers the health and safety of our students and staff as priority number one. There is nothing more valuable than life. After losing four senior members of staff to COVID we must be very cautious.
- We are working out a roadmap for possible full opening of the University for face-to-face teaching and learning in the shortest possible time, hopefully by the second semester. In order to achieve this, we have made arrangements to vaccinate all students against COVID-19. Currently, only 20% of the students are vaccinated.
- In the meantime, we will continue with blended learning. I therefore encourage all students to strongly desist all attempts to disrupt University activities, under the pretext of demanding full reopening of the University.
In the same press release, Prof Nawangwe reacted to today’s unrest led by the Guild President at the university that involved the arrest of several students.
“This morning, a group of around 20 students disrupted classes and engaged in other acts of hooliganism. I have suspended twelve (12) of those students who were identified and I will suspend all the others once they are identified. I wish to once again re-assure all our stakeholders that the University Management will continue to enforce disciplinary measures against some students who engage in this unacceptable behavior.”
More so, the Vice Chancellor noted that the University Management had received reports of bullying of freshers by some continuing students.
This bullying was in the form of forced jogging, physical assault and use of offensive or profane language. The same individuals reportedly destroyed university property in an attempt to get the freshers out of their rooms.
“I wish to re-affirm that Makerere University observes a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and any other form of assault, as well as destruction of University property,” Prof Nawangwe cautioned.
“This unruly behavior is a contravention of the Makerere University Students Regulations 2015, 8 (9) (b) (III) and (iv) as well as 9 (a) and (b). Six (6) students were involved in bullying freshers, physical assault and destruction of University property. In this regard, three (3) students have been suspended, while three (3) students have received warning letters,” he added.
Makerere University’s current tag of war between students and administrators regarding full reopening initially seemed to be a disagreement with a near amicable solution but the conflicting parties apparently seem to be far from reaching a leveled ground.
