An Exclusive Interview with Prof. Alabi, Head of Department Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan.

As academic activities is taking us all to the next level where students’ and lecturers really anticipate. A time where reward in terms of marks, are awarded to students who have shown so much dedication in their courses overtime.

As students the season also calls for a situation that requires you sit to be examined not by a doctor but, through questions that must have been set by lecturers. As archaeology and anthropology students fieldwork is usually observed after every first semester examination.

However, there have been speculations whether the regular fieldwork was going to hold, if security is guaranteed if it eventually holds, and most importantly if the first semester examinations will be done virtually or physically.

All these and more were discussed with Professor Raphael A. Alabi, Head of Department Archaeology and Anthropology Department, University of Ibadan.

Image: Professor Raphael A. Alabi

Firstly, the press will like to congratulate you on your role as the Head Of Department. If you wouldn’t mind filling us into your space, how has the journey as an archaeologist been and what are the responsibilities that come with being the Head Of Department?

Thank you very much. Well, the journey has been so far smooth. I have enjoyed unfettered cooperation from all my colleagues. Being Head is a lot of responsibility. The Head is responsible for the day to day running of the department – administrative and academic. He carries out instructions from the University Management. It is cumbersome being Head; there are so many meetings to attend at the Faculty and University Senate. Our own department is even more tasking in this wise because meetings have to be attended at both Faculties of Science and Arts.

The semester started with students attending classes virtually. How has this impacted members of staff and lecturers in the department?

It was initially difficult teaching students virtually. The e-learning platform of the University was fraught with a lot of challenges. But gradually we got kicking since there must not be physical teaching.

How will you and other staff members feel if the ban on physical classes is eventually lifted by the University?

Everyone will feel very happy and relieved.

Sometimes ago a broadcast was circulated stating that students aren’t allowed in the department. What prompted this and are there specific students you were referring to?

At that time, the Acting Vice Chancellor had called me on phone to inform me that a lecturer was having a physical class in the department. Although I wasn’t aware of this and told him so, I had to inform the students’ Association’s President to inform students not to lurk around in the department anymore. I was referring to all categories of students.

The academic calender for first semester is gradually easing out taking us to the latter stage of the semester which is exam. How will exams be conducted for students of archaeology and anthropology department? (Physically or virtually)

The University Senate has not yet decided on the mode of First Semester examination – whether physical or virtual. But it may take the former (physical) as many lecturers and students are advocating for such. At the last Senate meeting, a Committee was set up to advice on this. Their report would be presented to Senate at it’s next meeting coming up soon.

Well, it’s in the tradition of 200level students and above to go for fieldwork immediately after first semester examination. Will there be fieldwork this year?

There would be fieldwork this year. The Acting Vice Chancellor’s permission has been obtained and the fieldwork Committee is already working on the logistics. It would be during the usual mid sessional break. Students have been asked to pay the remaining amount (10k) not covered in the University students’ fees schedule.

Considering the level of insecurity in the country presently, what are the measures the department is making or will be putting in place to provide adequate security for students, lecturers and staff?

Well, the fieldwork Committee is involved in the logistics of the fieldwork. But from our past experiences, we used to officially liaise with Security agencies, especially the Police for security cover. But we will do more this year because we don’t want to leave any stone unturned.

Speaking of departmental elections are there plans of electing a new students’ committee members soon?

Of course, a new students’ Exco would have been sworn in before now but for the disruption in the academic programme occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as conditions are rife for an election, that would be done.

What will your advice for archaeology and anthropology students be against the upcoming examination?

My advice for Archaeology and Anthropology students is to work hard, despite the e-learning process. Most of my colleagues in the department provide power points (even ‘power note’ or ‘power word’) to the students. They should read these well with other reading materials provided. They should also do their tests well.

Thank you so much sir for taking out time to join.

Thank you indeed for this interesting interview. All the best.