The Second Semester for the 2019/2020 academic session has commenced at the Coal City University (CCU), Enugu in line with the Institution's academic calendar. However, learning and other academic activities are being conducted through a virtual learning platform because of the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world, and the Federal Government's directive on the closure of all schools across the country.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Afam Icha-Ituma disclosed this at a teleconference press briefing on Wednesday to mark the commencement of second-semester lectures in the University.
Vice-Chancellor of Coal City University, Prof Afam Icha-Ituma
Professor Icha-Ituma stated that Coal City University commenced second semester lectures on Monday, April 27, 2020. He pointed out that: “In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Federal Government’s directive on the closure of all educational institutions in Nigeria, Coal City University has stopped all face-to-face teaching, and has migrated to virtual learning environment –myCCU”.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that “Coal City University is a digitally leading University in Nigeria. CCU is among the very few Universities in Nigeria that has migrated fully to online teaching”. He pointed out that "myCCU is a user-friendly online course management platform that provides an opportunity for lecturers to communicate with students and share learning materials, upload videos and PowerPoint presentations, upload assignments, give feedback online, post and conduct online discussions, et cetera. The platform can be accessed via myccu.ccu.edu.ng”.
According to Professor Icha-Ituma, Coal City University academic staff are working very hard from their various homes, to provide tutorials online to ensure that students can progress or graduate on time, depending on their level. He also pointed out that the Deans of various faculties are also working with the Heads of Departments to ensure that up-to-date materials are accessible on myCCU platform. Lectures are currently taking place online via the platform (myCCU) and all students are learning in the comforts of their homes.
To ensure efficient and result-oriented delivery of courses, all lecturers had earlier been trained by the ICT Unit of the University in collaboration with CodersTriangle, the company that developed the online e-learning platform. Professor Afam Icha-Ituma disclosed that an online support team took the students through the procedure to check for course work, lecture notes, web conferencing, group chat and uploading of assignments.
Continuing, the Vice-Chancellor explained that, “myCCU has been enabled for computer, iPad and smartphone to ease accessibility. Students can log in to myCCU at their own time to read through the lectures notes and work on assignments offline and thereafter upload the coursework to myCCU. However, in some cases, synchronous learning is activated whereby students and their lecturers log on to myCCU at a certain time for discussions and students receive immediate feedback from their lecturer”.
The Vice-Chancellor commended members of staff for their hard work and shared determination to do their best for CCU students throughout this difficult and uncertain time. He called on the students to “follow all Government guidelines, stay positive and be kind to one another.” He urged them to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the online platform to ensure that their studies are not stalled by the Coronavirus challenge. Prof. Icha-Ituma further urged them to continue to practice proper hygiene and social distancing, while also showing kindness towards one another.
By
Amah Baldwin