The management of Edo State University, Iyamo, formerly known as Edo University Uzairue, has officially announced the postponement of physical resumption of academic activities for all undergraduate and JUPEB students.

The decision was taken at an Emergency Senate Meeting held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and has been communicated to students through an official notice issued by the university authorities.

According to the management, the postponement is temporary and is necessitated by ongoing renovation works in the university’s Halls of Residence, which are not yet in a condition suitable for student occupation.

Reason for the Postponement of Physical Resumption

In the official statement released by the university, management explained that the decision to delay physical resumption was taken in the best interest of students.

The renovation works currently ongoing in the Halls of Residence are aimed at improving the quality of accommodation, safety, and overall living conditions for students. However, the work has not reached a stage that allows students to return safely and comfortably to campus.

As a result, undergraduate and JUPEB students have been directed to remain off campus until further notice.

The university emphasized that the decision was not arbitrary but followed careful deliberation by the Senate to ensure that students are not exposed to inconvenience, overcrowding, or unsafe accommodation conditions.

Affected Categories of Students

The postponement applies specifically to the following groups:

• All undergraduate students

• JUPEB (Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board) students

These students are not expected to resume physically on campus until the university officially announces a new date for physical resumption.

What Undergraduate and JUPEB Students Should Do

While physical resumption has been postponed, the university has made it clear that academic activities have not been suspended.

Online Lectures Continue

All undergraduate students are expected to actively participate in online lectures, which have already commenced.

The management stressed that:

• Online teaching is fully in progress

• Lectures are being delivered according to schedule

• Students must log in, attend, and participate consistently

The online lecture arrangement ensures that academic activities continue uninterrupted despite the delay in physical resumption.

Mandatory Lecture Attendance Requirement

The university reiterated an important academic policy regarding lecture attendance.

According to the management:

• A minimum of 70 per cent lecture attendance is compulsory

• This requirement applies even for online lectures

• Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be eligible to sit for examinations

This directive underscores the seriousness with which the university treats academic participation, whether lectures are conducted online or physically.

Students are therefore strongly advised to:

• Attend all scheduled online lectures

• Participate actively

• Avoid missing classes unnecessarily

Failure to comply could have serious academic consequences.

Assurance of a New Resumption Date

The management of Edo State University assured students that the postponement is not indefinite.

According to the notice:

• A new date for physical resumption will be announced

• Students will be informed as soon as renovation works reach an acceptable stage

The university urged students to remain patient and continue to monitor official communication channels for updates.

Different Directive for Postgraduate Students

While undergraduate and JUPEB students are to remain off campus, the directive does not apply to postgraduate students.

Postgraduate Physical Resumption

The university has instructed postgraduate students to resume physically as scheduled.

• Resumption Date for Postgraduate Students:
  Monday, January 12, 2026

Postgraduate students are expected to return to campus for the continuation of first semester lectures for the 2025/2026 academic session.

This distinction highlights the different academic arrangements and accommodation considerations between undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Importance of the Emergency Senate Meeting

The decision to postpone physical resumption was approved at an Emergency Senate Meeting, which underscores the urgency and seriousness of the issue.

Senate meetings are the highest academic decision-making forums in Nigerian universities. Decisions taken at this level reflect collective agreement by senior academic and administrative leaders of the institution.

By approving the postponement at Senate level, the university ensured that:

• The decision followed due process

• Academic standards were protected

• Student welfare remained a top priority

Focus on Student Welfare and Safety

The management emphasized that the postponement is not punitive but protective.

Renovation of Halls of Residence is aimed at:

• Improving living conditions

• Enhancing safety and comfort

• Providing a better learning environment

Allowing students to resume while renovations are incomplete could expose them to:

• Discomfort

• Safety risks

• Disruption of daily activities

The university stated that it prefers a short delay over compromising student welfare.

Impact on Academic Planning

The postponement of physical resumption may require students to:

• Adjust personal schedules

• Make alternative accommodation plans temporarily

• Rely more on virtual learning tools

However, the continuation of online lectures ensures that:

• The academic calendar remains on track

• Students do not lose valuable learning time

The management reassured students that the situation is being closely monitored to minimize disruptions.

Expectations from Students During the Postponement

Students are expected to:

• Stay engaged with online academic activities

• Regularly check official university platforms for updates

• Avoid spreading unverified information

The university advised students to rely solely on:

• Official notices

• University portals

• Communications from recognized university authorities

Official Communication and Signatory

The notice announcing the postponement was officially signed by:

Mr. Vincen ERHAGBE
Acting Registrar
Edo State University, Iyamo

The inclusion of the Acting Registrar’s signature confirms the authenticity of the announcement and serves as formal authorization of the directive.

Importance of Following Official Updates

Students are strongly advised to:

• Monitor official university announcements

• Pay attention to emails, portals, and notice boards

• Avoid rumors and social media misinformation

The management emphasized that all future updates, including the new physical resumption date, will be communicated through official channels.

Implications for JUPEB Students

JUPEB students, who are preparing for university entry through the JUPEB programme, are equally affected by the postponement.

However:

• Their academic activities continue online

• Attendance requirements still apply

• Their progression remains dependent on active participation

JUPEB students are advised to treat online lectures with the same seriousness as physical classes.

Maintaining Academic Discipline in an Online Setting

The university’s insistence on a 70 per cent attendance requirement demonstrates its commitment to maintaining academic discipline even in a virtual learning environment.

Students are encouraged to:

• Create a personal study timetable

• Ensure reliable internet access

• Participate actively in online discussions

Online learning is regarded as a full academic engagement, not a temporary or optional arrangement.

Why the Decision Matters

This announcement is significant because it:

• Clarifies resumption status for different categories of students

• Prevents confusion and unnecessary travel

• Reinforces the university’s commitment to safety and academic continuity

By separating undergraduate and postgraduate directives, the university ensures that academic activities continue where possible while addressing infrastructure limitations.

Summary of Key Points

• Physical resumption for undergraduate and JUPEB students has been postponed

• Decision approved at an Emergency Senate Meeting on January 7, 2026

• Reason: Ongoing renovation works in Halls of Residence

• Undergraduate and JUPEB students must remain off campus until further notice

• Online lectures continue, and participation is mandatory

• 70% lecture attendance is required for exam eligibility

• Postgraduate students are to resume physically on Monday, January 12, 2026

• A new physical resumption date will be announced later

• Notice signed by Acting Registrar, Mr. Vincen ERHAGBE

Conclusion

The postponement of physical resumption for undergraduate and JUPEB students of Edo State University, Iyamo, reflects the institution’s proactive approach to student welfare, safety, and quality education.

While physical presence on campus has been temporarily delayed, academic activities remain in full progress through online lectures. The management has made it clear that learning must continue, and students are expected to remain fully engaged.

With assurances that a new resumption date will be announced once renovations are completed, students are encouraged to remain patient, disciplined, and academically focused.

The university’s clear communication and structured approach demonstrate its commitment to maintaining academic standards while prioritizing the wellbeing of its students.