The Minister of Education, Shafqat Mehmood recently announced the reopening of schools, colleges and universities. Shafqat Mehmood declared that classes 9th to 12th would start from January 18 while students of primary classes to 8th would head back to schools on January 25. In addition, all exams will be on campuses.
As secondary students return to school, university students continue to worry about on-campus exams when universities reopen on February 1. In addition to this, many students started protesting all over Pakistan.
Islamabad Protest
Recently in Islamabad, the students of National University of Modern Languages (NUML) held a protest against varsity administration’s decision. The students blocked the IG Road as well as the 9TH Avenue demanding for online exams.
Students protest by saying exams should be online just like classes.
Lahore Protest
In Lahore, a large number of students from public and private universities protested against their institutes for holding on-campus examinations. Carrying posters and banners saying “We want online exams” they reached the Governor’s House demanding the Governor to direct universities to conduct online exams.
Students Protesting outside Governor’s House in Lahore
As a result, police contingent was deployed outside the Governor’s House to prevent any untoward incident.
Digital Protest
Not only did the students come out on the streets, but they have also taken all over Twitter with #OnlineExam_IsOurRight and #StudentsDemandOnlineExams. In addition, this topic is trending #1 in Pakistan.
You guys rock. I can see your efforts #OnlineExam_IsOurRight
Top trend hy. Aj isi ko continue karin gy. Everyone must use same HT. Unity is our strength. ✌ @hecpkofficial @ArifAlvi pic.twitter.com/nlNcmKhZsj— Talat (@MeTalatK) January 23, 2021
Moreover, many students pointed out the corona cases. As a result, many students came tweeted saying that it is too risky for us to interact with such students.
Yesterday a student in our school demanded for online exam as he wasn’t feeling okay. Today he tested positive for COVID-19. God knows how many students he interacted with. Who is going to be held responsible for this???#StudentsDemandOnlineExams
— maida (@maiddaaaa_) January 19, 2021
Some Basic Demands
Some common requirements of students were: –
- If classes are held online then why not exams?
- Students also demanded a reduction in fees
Also read: Punjab University agrees to conduct Online Exams