Nigerian Government orders reopening of all Schools
The Nigerian Government has ordered the reopening of all schools in the country, with advice to all institutions to adhere to the guidelines for the reopening, as earlier announced by the Presidential Task Force on coronavirus.
Penpushing reports that, Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, made the announcement during a press briefing held on Friday in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory(FCT),explaining that all unity schools should open by October 12 “while states and private schools will determine their own modalities of reopening.”
The Minister said the decision to reopen the schools was because the coronavirus infection figure is declining, adding that the authorities consulted widely with stakeholders in the education sectors before the decision.
“We have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector including the Association of Private Schools (NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice-Chancellors of Universities, State Governors, Commissioners of Education and other development partners on the matter and secured their support and cooperation,” he said.
Penpushing further reports that, Adamu declared that adequate sanctions await any school owner that does not comply with the safety guidelines which may result in an outbreak of coronavirus in the school.
The Minister advised schools to be vigilant, strict and rigid in the implementation of coronavirus protocols for the safety of the children, emphasising that nothing should be taken for granted, and also advised schools to make water and sanitation facilities available across the schools. .
“Safe distancing procedures should be regularly practised. Additionally, schools should develop and display simple context-specific reference protocols on the day to day actions to be operated in each school,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that, the Minister kept mute about anything regarding the Academic Staff Union of Universities which has been on strike for six months now.
