The Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed that the January 18, 2021 date for the resumption of schools nationwide, amid the rising cases of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement released on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ben Goong, said the ministry undertook a comprehensive appraisal of the situation before arriving at this conclusion.
The statement reads: “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,” he said
He said the protocols involved include compulsory wearing of face masks by all students, teachers, and workers in all schools, temperature checks, and handwashing facilities at strategic locations in all schools.
“Ensuring the constant supply of water and sanitizers, Enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days, Avoiding overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy,” he said.
According to Mr. Goong, other protocols include the availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities.
The protocols also include adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions, and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.
Despite many Universities had gone ahead to announce their resumption dates, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, said schools were not ready because they lack the capacity to ensure the safety of all as it concerns the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recall that, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) in December 2020 had ordered schools to remain closed till January 18.
