Week Eight Woes: Understanding the Impact of a Shortened Academic Calendar

As we conclude Week Eight of the eleven-week semester, it's important to look closely at the academic calendar and its impact on students. Typically, the University of Ibadan operates on a semester-based system, with each semester previously consisting of around thirteen weeks of academic lectures followed by examinations across all faculties. However, this current academic session (and the last) has been condensed to eleven weeks of lectures, deviating from the usual structure. Freshers, who had started the session with six weeks of virtual classes, resumed physical classes alongside returning students. This compressed schedule has created a different dynamic for students.

 

In every semester, tests and assessments are expected to take place during week six, while by the end of the allotted teaching weeks, General Studies (GES) exams occur, followed by faculty-specific exams afterwards. The shift from the traditional thirteen-week format to a shorter eleven-week session has been particularly challenging, compressing the time for lectures, continuous assessments, and revision

 

As we conclude week eight, the semester is at a critical phase. This week serves as a midpoint where lectures are expected to be nearing completion, and the focus should shift towards revision and preparation for upcoming exams. However, the shortened semester means there is less time for students to absorb the material, complete assignments, and prepare for assessments. For final year students working on their projects and keeping up with schoolwork is more challenging. Coupled with the heavy burden of school activities, some students involved in extracurricular activities must divide their attention between schoolwork and their additional responsibilities. Mentally, students are stressed out due to the pressure from academic work, economic downturns, and uncertainty regarding school fees. Additionally, extracurricular commitments, including participation in various organisations and competitions, add to the demands on students' time and energy. 

With just three weeks left for lectures and continuous assessments, students must manage their time effectively to stay on top of their coursework and prepare for exams.

The adjustment to the shortened academic calendar has led to increased pressure, with some students struggling to keep pace with their courses. While the fast-tracked schedule aims to minimise academic downtime, it also heightens stress levels and poses challenges in balancing academic responsibilities with other aspects of university life.

 For students, week eight represents a critical period for assessing their academic progress and adjusting their study strategies. The accelerated timeline necessitates a more focused approach to studying, with students needing to prioritise their coursework, manage assignments, and prepare for exams efficiently. The reality means students must adapt quickly to meet their academic goals.

Lecturers, on the other hand are tasked with ensuring that all necessary material is covered. Lecturers must adjust teaching methods, schedule extra classes, and provide supplementary materials to help students catch up on the shortened timeframe. With exam questions already set, students are left with no choice but to push themselves beyond their limits to meet the demands.

 While some students may view the semester as an opportunity to graduate on time, it is essential to acknowledge the frustrations and struggles they face in meeting deadlines. The pressure can lead to physical illness and even mental breakdowns.

Despite the challenges, students must go through the semester by tying up loose ends, updating notes, submitting assignments, and preparing adequately for assessments and presentations. Prioritising mental health, eating well, and effective time management are crucial to avoid burnout. As we await a resolution from the school management regarding school fees, we hope for an extension of the semester. If such an extension does not occur, students should brace themselves for the remaining weeks, knowing their struggles will be temporary.

It is also vital for the Student Union to uphold its responsibilities and ensure the welfare of every student is prioritised. The call for a congress, supported by 250 signatories, is necessary to address the issues that affect students. While students strive to balance their lives, the student union and all student leaders must work diligently to ensure their efforts are not in vain.