COVID-19: FUTA Vice Chancellor Urges Members of Staff, Students to Abide by Government Directives and Medical and Scientific Instructions 

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA Professor Joseph Fuwape, has said that the exponential rise in the number of Corona virus infection as reported by the National Council for Disease Control (NCDC) in the past few weeks has clearly shown that the COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of life and death that should not be treated with kid gloves. He said the rise in the rate of infection has also justified the Federal Government’s stay-at-home directive which has become the necessary sacrifice that has to be made by all and sundry in order to save lives and stem the spread of the deadly virus. The Vice Chancellor made the remark in an open letter he wrote to staff, students and members of the FUTA University Community. According to him ,”The challenges posed by this unprecedented development have caused inconveniences and impacted undue hardship on livelihoods and ways of life of all and sundry ” He however expressed optimism that the current situation and the attendant lockdown and inconveniences ,” is a passing phase which will be overcome in no distant time”.
Fuwape appreciated the steadfastness and act of patriotism of staff and students and members of the FUTA Community in abiding by the guidelines and directives issued by the Government towards combatting the pandemic. He urged them to continue to conform to medical and scientific advices, and follow the prescribed guidelines and hygiene protocols from the Health authorities including maintaining “physical distance”, hand washing and wearing of mask so that together, “we can flatten the curve of the COVID-19 Pandemic”. He also acknowledged the support and contributions of stakeholders who have made significant sacrifices to keep the system running in the face of the challenges.
He assured that the management of the University has intensified efforts at keeping the University environment safe by deploying additional infrastructures and facilities to ensure safety of lives and property on campus while also advising all concerned to be vigilant and security conscious in their respective domains and to continue to comply with government directives.
In Conclusion the Vice Chancellor said,”Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of staff and students. It is my sincere prayer that God Almighty will see us through this challenging time. By the grace of God, this phase will pass and we shall see the end of COVID-19. I hope to see all of you in peace and good health very soon. Please keep safe. Thank you and God bless”.
Issued by the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Protocol
Office of the Vice -Chancellor