Students at tertiary institutions in the country will no longer be required to physically attend lectures on campus following a ban by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology as part of measures to protect students and lecturers from contracting Covid-19.
In a letter addressed to all principals of teachers’ colleges, polytechnics and Industrial training colleges on Tuesday, Higher and Tertiary Education secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira said the increasing cases may put the lives of students and members of staff at high risk.
“It is now observed that Covid-19 cases are escalating daily and this may put the lives of students and members of staff in our institutions at high risk,” said Prof.Tagwira.
He said all students are expected to vacate halls of residence by Friday 24 July.
“In view of the foregoing, the Ministry is hereby directing that all tertiary education institutions, with immediate effect, suspend face to face lectures on campus and continue with e-learning. In this regard all students should vacate halls of residence by Friday 24July 2020,” read the letter.
Professor Tagwira said the Ministry will work on ensuring that all institutions have necessary infrastructure to facilitate e-learning.
“The Ministry is working flat out to ensure all institutions are adequately resourced with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate access to quality e-learning,” he said.
In a notice to students Bulawayo Polytechnic Principal Gilbert Mzenzi Mabasa said students were expected to vacate their hostels by Wednesday.
“All such lectures at TBP have been suspended with effect from 14:00hrs on 21July 2020,” said Mabasa.
“All resident students must vacate hostels by Thursday 23July 2020.The last meal will be supper on the 22 July 2020. Those who can should vacate hostels starting today.”
The Principal said students should liaise with their lectures and heads of departments on the continuity of their education in line with the prescribed e-learning mode.
