ICE Students Grapple with Virtual Classes

By Goodness Sunday, Serah Adetoyinbo, Joy Ichi, Ayomide Coker and Beatrice Osaigbovo

Many consider attaining a university degree a path to a brighter future. For part-time students, this journey is a rewarding experience in balancing work, family, and studies as they overcome academic challenges. The flexible lecture hours, exam schedules, and access to digital libraries boost their educational success. However, the students are concerned that technical difficulties and the cost of online learning may hinder their learning experience.

After the announcement of the commencement of virtual classes due to the hostel renovations, the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) students are grappling with adapting to the new model with its pros and cons. The ICE students usually have evening classes on campus, designed to accommodate working-class students pursuing their academic goals. Although this model was quite challenging because of the difficulty of commuting from individual locations to the university, it was a fruitful learning experience for students. 

Mrs Oluwaseun Fajimi, an entrepreneur student affected by the new policy, said, 

“This is another experience for me, as we had online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a business owner, focusing online is a daunting task for me. Even though I’m in the class, my subconscious is still in the business as I attend to customers’ complaints. However, during the physical class, I have not many worries as I will focus in class and return to my business afterwards. I also struggle with poor network connections.”

She explained that understanding complex concepts without visual aids or demonstrations is challenging. She noted that data costs sometimes exceed transportation expenses, even though online lectures are convenient and stress-free.

Fajimi noted that the university’s timetable has been helpful in effectively balancing work and academics.

Another student, Olanrewaju David, told UNILAG Sun how difficult it is to balance his business and online studies. He said, 

“I balance the two with effective time management. I do a remote job and have a lot of time by my side. The only issue was the stress of going to school from home. I am happy I don’t have to spend time and money to commute to school again.”

He added that despite the economic and financial challenges with the increase in tuition fees, he is determined to pursue his goals and make sacrifices to achieve his aspirations.

UNILAG Sun gathered that lectures will be online until the university says otherwise due to ongoing renovation of halls of residences. According to the school management, the decision to learn virtually is aimed at reducing student transport costs and stress, as hostels are currently unavailable.