But there is a change of tack, presumably arising from the rising cases of coronavirus infections and the slow pace of preparedness on the part of the institutions.

The new development adds to the pain that coronavirus has inflicted on education and other sectors of the economy.

It is unprecedented in the history of education to have all learning institutions, right from kindergarten to university, shut for nearly a year. The only time universities were closed for long – nine months – was after the abortive 1982 coup.