The Federal Government announced that school owners have till July 29 to meet specific guidelines for safe reopening of schools.
Ben Goong, Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Education in a statement said Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Minister of State for Education, who revealed this in Abuja, said schools are expected to undertake self-assessment and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July, 2020.
Nwajiuba said an official date for safe reopening of schools will be announced once these guidelines are in place.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education consulted widely and in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Education in Emergencies Working Group in developing and circulating the guidelines for the reopening of schools.
“Thereafter, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise.
“Furthermore, the Minister said, having taken the painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders, and a mechanism to assess and monitor compliance shall be put in place,” the statement said.
Nwajiuba said the ministry has consulted with Commissioners of Education in the 36 states, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria,(APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors and development partners since Tuesday last week.
Nwajiuba also revealed that the Federal Government met with officials of West African Examination Council (WAEC) on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on a new date for the 2020 Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).
“We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter.
“Parents should be rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations.”
