Courts / Kildare / Report

Student teacher sues uni after Covid-19 halted graduation

Date
2020-07-27

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Maynooth

County
Kildare

Summary

A student teacher, Ekaette Kwuogor from Cappagh Road, Finglas Dublin 11, has initiated High Court proceedings against Maynooth University, alleging that the university prevented her from graduating as she was unable to complete her teaching practice due to the closure of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ms Kwuogor was studying for a Higher Diploma in Further Education at the university's Department of Adult and Community Education. She was accepted into the programme for the 2019-20 academic year and commenced the teacher training part of her course last January. However, she faced delays in starting her teaching practice due to the need for police clearance reports from both the Gardai and Nigerian authorities. The closure of schools in March 2020 further hindered her ability to complete the required teaching practice modules. The university informed her in April that she could not graduate due to insufficient teaching experience. Ms Kwuogor appealed the decision but has not received an outcome. She claims the delay is inordinate and breaches her rights to natural and constitutional justice. She seeks orders compelling the university to make a decision on her appeal and declarations regarding her entitlement to a decision or a time frame. The matter was heard by Mr Justice Charles Meenan in an ex-parte application and was adjourned for further proceedings later this week.