Baze University: A Covid 19 Success Story

BAZE UNIVERSITY: A COVID-19 SUCCESS STORY Mani Ibrahim AHMAD *

On 22nd January 2020, the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Baze University, at its 31st meeting approved the appointment of a new Registrar. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad Ph.D, became the third Registrar in succession since the establishment of the University and took over from Maj. Gen. Inuwa Idris (Rtd) whose tenure just ended. Upon assumption of duty, the new Registrar focused on repositioning the office to ensure synergy among principal officers and other members of the larger University Community. To this end, the following actions were taken: • Establishment of the Office of the Academic Secretary and deployment of an appropriate officer to handle issues on students’ academic records (exam results, transcripts, statement of result, certificates, NYSC mobilization, etc); • Establishment of a Secretariat for BOT, Council and Senate to service all meetings, keep records, prepare decision extracts and follow up on implementation, etc. Two upper middle level cadre officers were assigned to this office. • Redeployment of many staff to enable them get well-grounded in the operations of multiple units and allow them gain robust experiences in various administrative units and sections of the university.

One of the core values of Baze University is the respect for the sanctity of the academic calendar and over the years, the system has been insulated from needless disruptions. COVID-19 pandemic, however, created a new challenge; one that was never envisaged by even the most stable institutions. The University was deep into the first semester of 2020 when the Federal Government through the National Universities Commission directed a complete shutdown and lockdown of the entire education sector, including all institutions of higher learning. This disruption threw the entire sector into panic mode, characterized by confusion, anxiety of a virus with no end in sight, and the consequential economic and social break down.

At Baze University, after the initial shock, the transition from brick and mortar to the online mode of teaching with its attendant complexities was swift, seamless, and well-coordinated. The academic calendar continued uninterrupted and students did not miss out on anything. This was largely due to the enabling environment provided by Management and the synergy with the IT Department, all facilitated by the Registry.

The collective efforts of all the organs of the University culminated into the birth of the Baze University Digital Transformation platform that enabled online teaching, administration of Continuous Assessments, writing and processing of examinations, release of results and successfully ending the semester as planned. The efforts of all and sundry in commendable.

Today the university has institutionalized the Digital Transformation system, now supported by regular training and capacity building, systems audit and evaluation of facilities and human resource. The University also has a financial partnership with Telecom companies via mobile telephony for the purchase of data buckets, distributed free of charge to staff and students. These efforts have clearly made the University stand out amongst its peers as one of the few in the global south that has overcome the disruptive effects of COVID-19 on the higher education subsector.

As we plan to re-open the University in January 2021, Management in compliance with NCDC guidelines has put in place all that is required for the safety and protection of staff and students. It is evident that the new normal occasioned by COVID-19 will remain with us for an awfully long time. At Baze University, we are upstanding and ready to face the challenge of whatever lies ahead having successfully completed two (2) semesters, three (3) examination sessions and even graduated two (2) sets of students. In spite of the effects of COVID-19; undoubtedly, we have learned to live with the virus.

* Dr. Mani Ibrahim AHMAD, FNIM, FCAI, is the Registrar of the University.