Covid-19 protocol: UNIBEN holds virtual orientation for Volunteers

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

Ahead of February 1, 2021 date for resumption of academic activities, the University of Benin has organised a virtual orientation programme for the first batch of volunteers who will serve in the newly established surveillance Vlub in the institution.

The Surveillance Club comprises of a Chief Marshal, Sixteen Marshals and over one hundred and forty other members. They are to serve in the two Campuses of the University.

The Institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Lilian Salami who set the tone for the orientation, explained that the initiative is borne out of the need to monitor and prevent  the occurrence and spread of COVID-19 among staff and students.

She stated that the volunteers were to subtly but firmly enforce the regulations rather than resort to the use of force, stressing that civility should be their watchword. Professor Salami called on staff and students to make the tasks of the volunteers seamless.

In his presentation on the modus operandi of the Club, the Chief Marshal, Professor Ezekiel Ugiagbe of the School of Medicine, informed that members are grouped according to the faculties where they are expected to check and correct those who contravene the non pharmaceutical safety protocols.

He also emphasized the dangers of the pandemic and the need for volunteers to lead by example and to ensure among others, proper use of facemasks and compliance with the fifty percent passengers carrying capacity by taxes and buses within the campuses

There was questions and answers session where the Chief Marshal explained areas that were hitherto not clear to participants.

Principal Officers of the University and approximately one hundred and twenty volunteers keyed into the virtual orientation.