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UNILAG reopens physical classes Monday with expanded campus shuttle

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  • Ikeja, Ikorodu, CMS, others named as new shuttle locations

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) says it will resume physical lectures on Monday May 10 for the 2019/2020 second semester academic session with an expanded and rejuvenated campus shuttle.

This is coming after completing the first semester proramme including examinations virtually.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Oluwole Familoni, said the university had made it compulsory for all students to comply with COVID-19 protocols to aid the smooth running of the second semester academic activities.

Familoni said the university successfully deployed its e-learning platform during the first semester.

Already, the university as part of its drive to cater for the welfare of its staff and students, it had concluded the bus reform initiative services for UNILAG commuters.

The initiative, which is being executed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, would commence in phases beginning from Monday May 10.

Trail run operations along the Yaba-UNILAG (phase 1) and Bariga-UNILAG (phase 2) routes were said to have been undertaken on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

It was learnt that full operations would begin on Monday, May 10, 2021 from 6am to 10pm daily at these locations.

The shuttle has been extended to other locations such as Ikeja, Agege, Ikorodu, Iyana-Ipaja, Ojota-Berger and CMS.

A report from UNILAG said, “In line with the central ticketing system (COWRY system) that LASG has deployed for use on all public transport schemes in the state, the campus bus services will also use the Cowry System for fare collection on the selected routes.”

It also reported the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, as urging all members of the UNILAG community to give all necessary support towards achieving a successful commencement of the operations.

Familoni commented on the e-learning, saying, “The online learning system deployed to complete the first semester academic activities for about 50,000 students, both undergraduates and postgraduates was for the period of eight weeks.

“The lecture was delivered successfully through the customized Learning Management System (LMS) the university library deployed its services to support students with print resources, the library also offer help through the Chat-a-librarian service where students have access through virtual chat and special arrangements were made for the visually impaired students.

“The online examination was conducted using a cloud based online Platform, the WebTest and the students were supported with free data by the school management and the students were also well monitored.

“It is in our cognizant opinion that the university of Lagos and all other institutions should be encouraged to further use the virtual learning platform through the use of special ground for the university to be able to carry out this work”.

Regarding the safety and security of students on resumption, the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Ademola Adeleke, urged the students to be more security conscious.

He said arrangement had been made with neighbouring police to keep an eye on neighbouring communities.

Education

Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students

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Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students

However, the University of Chicago has provided clarification to help ease these concerns for students on F-1 or J-1 visas.

Revocation means your visa is no longer valid and cannot be used to re-enter the U.S.

The U.S. government can revoke visas, but this usually happens only in serious cases.

The United States recently instructed consular offices to expand their screening processes for student visa applicants. This also includes thorough social media checks to identify individuals who may support terrorism.

The U.S. Department of State has the authority to revoke non-immigrant visas, including F-1 and J-1 visas, if the visa holder has been arrested or convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) or similar offenses within the past five years.

While this may sound alarming, the revocation does not immediately affect a student’s ability to remain in the U.S.

Current status of students inside the U.S. 

According to the University of Chicago, The U.S. Department of State may revoke non-immigrant visas (F-1, J-1, etc.) of individuals arrested for, or convicted of, driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, or similar arrests/convictions that occurred within the previous five years. Such a revocation also does not necessarily mean that the individual cannot get a new visa to come to the U.S.

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The institution also informs that a visa revocation does not impact a student’s current status within the U.S, only the visa sticker.

“It is important to understand that this requirement does not affect your status in the U.S., only your visa sticker. Remember that your visa is needed to enter the U.S., but once you have entered, your visa does not have to remain valid.  You must, however, have a valid I-20 (F-1/F-2) or DS-2019 (J-1/J-2),” the university stated in its platform.

“If you are not planning a trip abroad in the near future, this requirement does not affect you, even if you have been arrested/convicted, until you do seek to reenter the U.S. after a trip abroad.” 

The visa stamp is only necessary for entry into the U.S., not for staying in the country.

Impact on re-entry to the U.S. 

While the visa revocation does not affect a student’s status inside the U.S., it does prevent re-entry to the country on the same visa. If a student leaves the U.S. after their visa has been revoked, they will not be allowed to return with the revoked visa.

They will need to apply for a new visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before being allowed to re-enter the U.S.

How to confirm visa status 

Students who have had a DUI or similar conviction since their visa was issued and are unsure about the status of their visa are advised to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate that issued their visa.

The embassy or consulate may send an official notice regarding the revocation, or students may find out about the revocation when traveling through a U.S. port of entry.

Advice for students planning to travel 

For students with a revoked visa planning to leave the U.S., the institution recommends contacting the embassy or consulate before booking any travel. The embassy can confirm the validity of the student’s visa.

Additionally, students should consult with their school’s international student office and, if necessary, seek advice from an immigration attorney. If a student has dependents on F-2 or J-2 visas, their visa status may also be affected by the revocation.

No immediate impact on students staying in the U.S. 

For those who do not have immediate travel plans, the University of Chicago reassures that visa revocation will not disrupt a student’s ability to stay or study in the U.S.

Students should continue to ensure that their I-20 or DS-2019 forms are valid and keep up with their academic requirements.

Chicago University clarifies US visa revocation policy for international students

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UNN appoints Prof Olayiwola Usman as first Yoruba DVC (Academics)

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UNN appoints Prof Olayiwola Usman as first Yoruba DVC (Academics)

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, a Yoruba Muslim from Oyo State, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), marking the first time in the institution’s history that a person of Yoruba descent has held the position.

The appointment, made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor (Ag. VC), Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam, is part of ongoing reforms aimed at fostering inclusive governance and restoring the university’s academic excellence.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, the university reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based leadership and national unity.

Professor Ujam stated: “The appointment of Professor Usman reflects our resolve to prioritise competence over sectional considerations. It is imperative that we sustain this culture of inclusivity and meritocracy to move the university forward.”

In addition to Professor Usman’s appointment, the Acting VC also named Dr Mansur Adebowale Saddiq as Acting Director of the Medical Centre, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting excellence over sectional interests.

Both appointments have been widely welcomed by scholars and students from diverse backgrounds, recognising them as steps towards strengthening national unity within the institution.

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Professor Usman, who succeeds Professor Urama, holds a PhD in Mathematics Education and previously served as Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, from 2015 to 2023.

A distinguished academic, he is a fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and a member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and the Nigerian Educational Research Association. His initial tenure as DVC (Academics) will last for two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Meanwhile, the statement also highlighted that during a recent University Senate meeting, Professor Ujam emphasised the collective responsibility of repositioning UNN as a centre for ethical and innovative learning.

“A collective effort is required to place the institution on a steady path towards ethical and innovative learning. UNN must regain its pride of place as Nigeria’s premier university. We must rid the system of narrow-minded sectionalism and divisive tendencies that have eroded the enabling environment for research, comparative studies, and the adaptive application of new knowledge,” the statement read.

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FG to pay corps members backlog of delayed N77,000 allowance

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FG to pay corps members backlog of delayed N77,000 allowance

The Federal Government has promised to pay the backlog of the new ₦77,000 monthly allowance to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The corps members’ allowance was increased from ₦33,000 to ₦77, 000 in September 2024.
However, the new rate has yet to be implemented.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Monday said serving corps members and those in the scheme when the increment was announced in September 2024 would receive a backdated payment.
He gave the assurance when he was featured on Channels Television’s Politics Today. 

He said, “You saw the new DG saying that you will get it, and they’re asking him a question ‘What about those that are going out now, are they going to receive it [backlog]?’ He said ‘We have your details’,” the minister said.
“The backlog, we will work on it and make sure it is paid. It may not be immediate but it will happen.”

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