SRC was not consulted in decision to move learning online – Isaac Agyemang

President of the University of Ghana Students Representative Council, Isaac Agyemang, has disclosed that his office was not involved in the decision for the remaining seven weeks of teaching for the second semester to take place online.

He said this in response to a question directed to him by a student of the University who was unhappy with the university’s decision.

Isaac Agyemang also says that he would be petitioning the university management on the concerns raised by students concerning the decision as well as to mitigate the risks involved in going on with such a decision, a decision Kwaku Asante, a former SRC Vice-Presidential candidate describes as populist.

Many students of the University are pushing against the university’s decision to allow academic activities to be undertaken online using the University’s Sakai Learning Management System.

Some of the students are questioning the possibility of using the Sakai to study their courses.

“I am studying dance, which is a very practical course. Now the University says that we should engage in online learning using Sakai. I don’t know how that is possible,” one student who gave his name as Nicholas said.

Another student, Kelvin, who says that he studies Russian, is against the decision.

He wants the SRC to act quickly to stop it.

“The SRC must fight university management on this one. Those of us who are studying foreign languages cannot learn the language on Sakai,” he said

The University has explained that the decision has become necessary following President Akufo-Addo’s directive that all schools should be closed until further notice in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

In a statement signed by Pro Vice Chancellor in charge of students and academic affairs, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the University says that an agreement has been reached with Vodafone Ghana for students to have free access to the school’s online learning platform.

Accordingly, the University says that it will distribute Vodafone SIMs to all students to facilitate the access.