Charles Ogwo
The Federal Government who had earlier announced that it was going to reconsider the January 18 resumption date due to the rampaging Covid-19 second wave in Nigeria, has finally decided to go ahead with the resumption date for schools nationwide.
On Monday, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, during the press briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Monday said the January 18 resumption date was not sacrosanct.
Bem Goong, Adamu, the Director, Press and Public Relations in a signed statement, explained that the decision to maintain the resumption date was the aftermath of “extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including state governors, commissioners of education, proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students”, respectively
The statement read in full: “Sequel to the hint given during the press briefing on 12 January 2021 for the review of the proposed resumption date of 18th January 2021, the Federal Ministry of Education has undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of the situation.
“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including State Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students, the consensus of opinion is that the resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols including:-
1. Compulsory wearing of Facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools
2. Temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools
3. Ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers
4.Enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.
5. Avoiding overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy
6. Availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities
7. Adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.
“These measures which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State government has given the green for all schools within the state to reopen for 2nd term 2020/2021 academic session with effect from Monday, January 18, 2021 in line with the Federal Government directives.
Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, the Commissioner for Education, however, enjoined all school managers to enforce strict compliance with all subsisting protocols to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Lagos State.
