The University Senate, following a high-level consultative meeting held on Thursday, 29th January 2026, has officially ratified a stringent new policy governing student eligibility for examinations. This policy shift is part of a broader institutional commitment to enhancing academic standards and ensuring that the degrees awarded by the university are backed by rigorous participation and documented learning. Under this new framework, the two pillars of academic legitimacy—Formal Course Registration and Physical Lecture Attendance—have been elevated from mere administrative suggestions to absolute prerequisites for examination entry.
This directive addresses a growing concern regarding academic absenteeism and late-semester registration rushes. By establishing these benchmarks, the Senate aims to create a more disciplined learning environment where students engage with their curriculum from the first week of the semester rather than relying on last-minute cramming. The university management has made it clear that these rules will be applied without exception, marking a significant departure from previous sessions where certain administrative leniencies might have existed.
The 70% Attendance Threshold: A Measure of Academic Rigor
The most significant component of the new policy is the mandatory 70% minimum attendance at lectures. This requirement is designed to ensure that students are not just registered in name but are active participants in the pedagogical process. Research in higher education consistently shows a direct correlation between consistent attendance and academic performance. By mandating a 70% presence, the university ensures that students benefit from direct interaction with lecturers, participate in classroom discussions, and engage in the peer-to-peer learning that is essential for a holistic education.
To enforce this, the University has directed all Heads of Departments (HODs) and Course Lecturers to maintain meticulous attendance registers. These registers will serve as the primary legal evidence of a student's eligibility. At the end of the lecture period, these records will be audited by the Faculty Board of Examiners. Any student whose cumulative attendance falls below the seventy percent mark will be automatically disqualified from sitting for that specific course's examination, regardless of their performance in Continuous Assessment (CA) tests.
Course Registration as a Legal Prerequisite
The second pillar of this policy reaffirms that Course Registration is the only legal basis for a student’s presence in the university. A student who attends lectures but fails to register their courses on the official portal remains invisible to the university’s Management Information System (MIS). This policy ensures that only students who have cleared their financial obligations and formally selected their courses are permitted to occupy spaces in lecture halls and laboratories.
This registration must be completed within the stipulated deadlines set by the university calendar. The Senate emphasized that registration is not merely about the payment of school fees; it involves the final submission of the Course Registration Form (CRF) and its endorsement by Departmental Level Coordinators. A "registered student" is one whose name appears on the official final class list generated by the ICT center. Students are urged to verify their registration status well before the examination period to ensure that no technical glitches prevent their names from appearing on the examination attendance sheets.
Enforcement and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The University Management has established a verification system that will be active at the entrance of every examination hall. During the examination period, invigilators and members of the Academic Monitoring Committee will cross-reference a student’s examination permit with both the registration database and the certified attendance records. Any student found to be in breach of either the registration or the attendance requirement will be strictly barred from entering the examination hall.
This "No Registration, No Attendance, No Examination" rule is designed to be self-executing. The university will not entertain "appeals for mercy" based on ignorance of the policy, as this notice serves as the final formal warning. The Senate believes that this measure will significantly reduce examination malpractice, as students who have attended 70% of their lectures are statistically more likely to be prepared and less likely to resort to irregular means of passing.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Academic Future
As the university moves deeper into the 2025/2026 academic session, students are enjoined to take full responsibility for their academic standing. Ensure that your portal reflects a "Success" status for your course registration and make a conscious effort to sign the attendance registers in every lecture. These actions are no longer just administrative tasks; they are the keys that will open the doors to the examination hall.
The university remains committed to providing a world-class education, but this can only be achieved through the mutual cooperation of the students. By adhering to these new Senate-approved guidelines, you are not only securing your right to sit for exams but also protecting the value and integrity of the certificate you will eventually receive.