COVID-19: Unilorin students partner with network service providers on virtual lectures

The University of Ilorin Students Union Government (SUG) has partnered with Network Service Providers on virtual lectures as part of efforts to ensure social distancing on campus.

The President, Unilorin SUG, Mr Wisdom Okoko told our correspondent  on Saturday in Ilorin that students would be receiving their lectures virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that though the university had provided campus-wide network for students, those outside the campus would be unable to access the network.

“The union is trying to ensure that virtual lecture is effective for students. This is something the students are not used to, but will become the new norm because of the pandemic,” he said.

Okoko noted that the union had already concluded arrangements with the Glo Mobile Network to get one gigabyte data for as low as N200, adding that other network providers had been contacted too.

According to him, the union has complemented the university’s preventive measures against COVID-19 as students resume on Monday. It will also provide facemasks at entry points.

He advised students to always carry their nose masks, hand sanitisers and endeavour to utilise the hand washing facilities provided by the institution.

He added that these are efforts the university has taken to ensure it decongests classrooms to maintain social distancing and flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission on campus.

The SUG president also said though the virtual lectures might have their attendant challenges, students should embrace the opportunities that abound, part of which is learning in comfort.

He said students who would not be able to attend lectures virtually can download them from the archives and that the university has also provided about 200 computer systems on campus where students can listen and download lectures.

Okoko said though transportation cost had risen astronomically, the union has contacted relevant transport unions on possible reduction of transport fares for students.