Despite the intractable crisis in the university system, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife has commenced to process of resuming academic work.
It announced the 2022 admission screening exercise for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry candidates on Monday through a statement by the Registrar and Secretary to Council of the institution, Mrs Margaret Omosule.
Omosule said the opportunity was for only the candidates who made OAU their first choice in the 2022 UTME, scored 200 and above, and those who applied for Direct Entry.
She added that registration for the 2022 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination screening exercise would begin from Thursday, 8 September and close on Saturday, 15 October.
Earlier, the management of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti directed reopening of the institution by 29 August, Kwara State University, Lagos State University and Osun State University did not join the ASUU strike.
ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke said in an interview with Arise Television: “When you are providing data, look at the background. Kwara State University is not a member of ASUU; Osun State University was suspended for its behavior, you can check, LASU you mentioned, we are in court with LASU because they sacked all our executives five years ago so they are not part of this struggle.”
EKSU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Edward Olanipekun said a fortnight ago that the institution would defy ASUU and reopen the university for academic work.
He said that the decision to reopen for classes was taken by key members of the institution.
“It was a decision taken by the stakeholders about the effect of this prolonged strike on the institution and our position have been made public about our intention to begin work and restore normalcy”, Olanipekun said.
However, a circular by the institution’s Registrar, Ife Oluwole noted that the resumption is with respect to old students and the newly admitted ones for the 2021/22 academic session.
The ASUU chapter in EKSU however insisted that the university management was on its own. The branch Chairman, Dr. Kayode Arogundade denied that its members were part of the decision to reopen the institution for academic activities.
OAU’s Omosule further explained the registration process for old and new students: “Once payment was accepted, the system would log out and they could now login again, adding that the screening exercise would be done online.
“Applicants that provide false information, or upload incorrect credentials will automatically be disqualified.
“Candidates are required to check their screening schedule on the OAU Porter from 12 October.
“Candidates will also be required to participate in the Post-UTME screening on their allotted dates and time from 17 to 22 October”.
Omosule urged applicants to note that the screening fee of N2,000.00 only and all enquires should be forwarded to admissions@oauife.edu.ng or enquiry@oauife.edu.ng”.
