Obafemi Awolowo University , OAU, has officially banned early morning and late evening lectures, with all academic activities now restricted to daytime hours between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
This decision comes after widespread complaints from students regarding the irregularity of lecture schedules, which were said to be negatively impacting their health and well-being.
In an official statement signed by the university registrar, K.A. Bakare, the Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed that the new lecture hours are non-negotiable and must be strictly adhered to.
He also emphasized that no lectures should be scheduled during the designated Lecture Free Week, warning lecturers against violating the directive.
The decision follows growing pressure from the Great Ife Students’ Union, which had repeatedly voiced concerns over the increasing trend of early-morning classes, late-night lectures, and Saturday sessions that disrupted the academic calendar.
The union argued that these irregular schedules were eroding students’ ability to maintain a healthy academic balance and had a detrimental effect on their overall well-being.
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“It is disheartening to see these disruptions becoming the norm,” the union said in a statement, calling on the university administration to take immediate and decisive action.
The union also stated that students should report any violations of the new policy through their class representatives to ensure the policy is enforced.
The union warned that should the university fail to uphold the new directive, they would take further action to protect student welfare.
“We remain committed to advocating for policies that prioritize student welfare and academic success. If normalcy is not restored, we will take decisive action,” the statement concluded.
The university has not yet outlined specific penalties for lecturers who fail to comply with the new policy, but the move marks a significant step toward addressing concerns raised by students regarding their academic schedules.
Crediblenewsng.com
