Upper Nile University on Monday started the registration of all its students except the first and the second years, the university administration has announced, but students have expressed concerns over the resumption.
On 19 October, the institution reopened for the final year students only after a six-month shutdown over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Marial Awou, told Radio Tamazuj last Friday that the institution reopens Monday, December 14, 2020, with registration for the students from all the faculties, except the first and second years, and the lectures shall commence come January 4.
“We said we were going to reopen gradually. And so, we had invited the finalists in October. Realizing that we have sufficient capacity this time. So, we sat and assessed that we can take about 800 students. And that is why we call 3rd, 4th and 5th-year students from all the faculties. Registration starts Monday, and lectures on 4th January,” he explained.
He added, “As for the 1st and 2nd-year students, we have engaged SPLM party to find a place that can fully accommodate over 2,000 students so that we reopen for the remaining group. Given the Covid-19 social distancing measure, we do not have enough space to apply the guideline.”
Also, separately Prof. Awou urged the government to clear their 9-months salaries’ arrears so that they can meet their family needs during this festive season, and as the university reopens.
But for student Sarah Nyanjang Bol, many of her colleagues may miss out on school even as the institution reopens due to the tuition fees hike.
“We do not know why the university is not reopening at once for all the students. And even as we resume if you are not aware, our tuition fees have been increased. In animal production when we first joined, we pay 1,200 SSP, last year it was 8,000 SSP but it has been increased to 55,000 SSP. We want it reduced,” she stressed.
Atem Barac, the university’s student guild president, welcomed the resumption, urging the university administration to immediately call the rest of the students.
“As students, we do not want to be divided into groups. So, we want the university reopened for all students. On the issue of tuition fees, we want the increase dropped because we can't afford it,” he said.