MONROVIA, Sept. 15 (LINA) -The Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Liberia (UL), Prof. Sekou Konneh, has disclosed that the state-run University will resume normal learning activities shortly once the necessary health protocols prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education are met at the institution.
Recently, the Commission through the Ministry of Education gave green light to universities in the country to reopen to traditional learning activities or “face-to- face” learning if all of the necessary health protocols are put in place.
Speaking in an interview with the media on the main campus of the University of Liberia, Professor Konneh emphasized that the institution may likely reopen after the conclusion of the ongoing e-learning semester.
« I can tell you for sure, as soon as we put in place the necessary protocols prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education, we will reopen the University but with total compliance from students, » Dean Konneh stressed.
According to him, before Administration can reopen the University to normal learning activities, it has to make sure that social distancing, washing of hands and wearing of face mask are observed by every student as prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education to avoid the spared of the coronavirus in the country.
He noted that the Administration is thinking of instituting higher measures and penalties for students who will breach the health protocols during the resumption of traditional learning activities at the University.
Dean Konneh also explained that the ongoing e-learning semester will climax at the end of October, citing that the leadership of the University is currently having consultations with their professors aimed at conducting traditional learning or face-to-face learning for senior students who are expected to graduate in December this year.
However, the UL official stressed that seniors that are expected to graduate in December will be used as case study for the reintroduction of the face-to-face classes.
He added that if the graduating students complete their remaining courses without embarrassment health-wise, the institution will reopen the entire University to traditional learning.
At the same time, Dean Konneh praised the current e-learning process, noting that the program is very effective, transparent and affordable on grounds that students are expressing excitement in e-learning because they can be anywhere and attend classes.
Prof. Konneh said e-learning will remain at the University even if the school reopens to normal learning activities, stating that the e-learning program at the university is gradually putting Liberia in competing position with neighboring countries in West Africa.
« Both forms of learning will continue at the University of Liberia even if the university returns to normal learning activities. It will continue to be effective with students’ choice as to how they intend to do their study, » he disclosed.
