THE University of Sindh is an ISO-certified university and also second largest in the province, having 32,000-plus students enrolled. A few days ago, the dean of the university announced that the deans’ committee led by the vice-chancellor had decided to reopen the university on Sept 15, only for final year students.

Students are required to follow SOPs and wear masks. The first, second, and third year students will continue online classes.

The Federal Minister for Education, Shafqat Mahmood, recently announced reopening of all educational institutions, including universities, professional colleges, vocational institute as well as classes nine and above on Sept 15.

It may be difficult for the University of Sindh to allow physical classes owing to a rise in Covid-19 cases, especially in the education sector.

However, the university can at least resume online classes for the bachelor’s programmes, as the new semester has started.

Thousands of students have already lost precious time owing to the coronavirus pandemic. But we still are waiting for the university to announce the schedule for the online or physical classes so that we can continue our studies.

The education ministry and higher authorities should look into the issue and resolve the matter urgently.

Jahangir Soomro
Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2020