COVID-19: UNILAG shuts student hostels indefinitely 

The management of the University of Lagos has shut down the student hostels over reported cases of coronavirus on the campus.

Also, the management also approved that lectures for the rest of the semester should be delivered virtually with effect from 26th July 2021.

The decision was reached at an emergency senate meeting held on Wednesday at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium.

Our correspondent gathered that the students were directed to vacate the halls of residence latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday, July 15, 2021.

They were also advised to move all their personal effects at once.

A member of the university’s senate confirmed this to The PUNCH, saying, “After getting the report, which I don’t like to discuss with you, we decided that the hostels should be shut down.”

As of press time, students are already seen packing their bags to go home.

Information from UNILAG Director of Student Affairs titled, ‘Important Notice: Immediate Closure Of Hostels To Check The Spread Of COVID-19 On Campus,’ read,

 “To check the spread of COVID-19 on campus, the University Senate has directed that all students vacate the halls of residence latest by 12.00 noon on Thursday, July 15, 2021. No access will be granted to any student after 12.00 noon on 15 July. The hostels will be locked indefinitely therefore students are advised to move all their personal effects at once. Lectures for the rest of the semester will be delivered virtually with effect from July 26, 2021.”

The PUNCH had reported that there was panic among students and staff of the university over cases of COVID-19 recorded in the institution.

The management of the university earlier said its medical centre recorded an increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 symptoms.

It also confirmed that the institution is being affected by a potential third wave of coronavirus in a ‘COVID-19 pandemic update’ published on the university’s website on Tuesday.

The statement read, “The University of Lagos Medical Centre wishes to inform all members of the University of Lagos Community about what appears to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lagos State.

“The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, in his press statement issued on July 11, 2021, stated that since the beginning of July there has been a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021, to its current rate of 6.6% as at the 8th of July 2021. This is with a concurrent increase in the occupancy rate at Lagos State isolation centres.

“The University of Lagos community has also been affected by this potential 3rd wave, with an increase in the number of patients presented to the University of Lagos Medical Centre with flu-like symptoms which are similar to COVID-19.

“The Medical Centre hereby assures all members of the University community, that all necessary actions in line with the Federal and Lagos State Government guidelines have been taken regarding this potential threat in our community.

“The Medical Centre will also return to providing EMERGENCY ONLY SERVICES during this period, in order to protect all members of the community from potential infection within the facility. The Medical Centre Emergency Contact line: 09095879781 remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” (The PUNCH)