The Federal Government after a stakeholder meeting on Monday, has reached a decision to schedule August 4, 2020, as the resumption date for secondary schools across the country.
The Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong in a statement issued, stated that, only students in exit classes are expected to resume, sp that they can participate in the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) scheduled to begin on August 17th 2020.
“Secondary schools in the country are to reopen as from 4th of August 2020 for exit classes only. Students will have two weeks to prepare for West Africa Examination (WASSCE) due to start on the 17th of August, 2020.” The statement read.
“These were the unanimous decisions reached today at a virtual consultative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, Honourable Commissioners of Education of the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the Proprietors of private schools, and Chief Executives of Examination Bodies.
“It was agreed that the exact classes should resume immediately after sallah break, from the 4th of August, 2020 to enable them prepare for the WAEC examination scheduled to commence from the 17th of August, 2020.
“The meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and public spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them fast track the preparation for safe reopening as agreed.”
“Between the Federal Ministry of Education and the Chief executives of examination bodies namely, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS to harmonise their examination dates, which will be conveyed to stakeholders expeditiously by the Federal Ministry of Education.”
Since last month, there have been different twists of event concerning the reopening of school for students in exit classes to enable them prepare and participate in WASSCE.
The Minister of Education for State, Emeka Nwajiuba had announced that schools will be reopen for categories of students in primary 6, Junior Secondary 3, and Senior Secondary 3 students. However, few days later, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, after a virtual Federal Executive council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Buhari, reversed the announcement, saying the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) could not determine for Nigeria when to reopen school, adding that, the country would prefer to forfeit one year academic calendar, while insisting, schools can only be reopen when it is safe to do so.
It is not yet certain if there will be another dramatic twist of event in another meeting that has been scheduled for Tuesday.
