About 5 days ago, the outgoing Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University (UCU) took it upon himself after the Presidential Directive for closure of all schools to announce that the institution would conduct online examinations since the semester was almost coming to an end as he ‘bragged’ about the University’s eLearning System.
This was a decision that sent a string of mixed feelings throughout the entire university with some students arguing for and against this resolution by the UCU administration.
However, it is my humble opinion that this measure by the UCU administration is not only a sign of defiance by the institution but an indicator of impatience by the university administration.
Most importantly, it is only common knowledge that majority of the students will find ways of linking up during this COVID-19 Quarantine to discuss for their online examinations or even attempt the questions in groups so as to assist each other to pass exams.
While I was interacting with some members of the student community, one student whose name I choose to keep anonymous expressed his happiness upon the announcement of the online examination strategy because he now has a higher chance of passing since he can link up with his friends and they do the work together.
This only goes against the Principle of “Social Distancing” as announced by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as a measure to prevent the spread of Corona Virus.
Finally, it is also my thought that the University administration did not take into consideration the student’s interests while coming up with this resolution but rather their own economic interests.
It is nothing but injustice and unfairness to subject a student community that has been and still is under severe trauma and panic caused by the Coronavirus to examinations. How does one expect students to read and prepare for their examinations yet all they do is keep hearing that a person has been confirmed as a victim every other day?
This is simply subjecting them to gross inhumane treatment just because you feel bringing back students after the Quarantine will come with extra financial costs.
In conclusion, I wish to ask the government to look into some of these measures by these schools or else, we are in for a Picnic with Coronavirus.
Concerned Student.
