The Federal Government has given the approval for the reopening of schools in the next phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown ordered to curtail further spread of COVID-19.
However, only graduating students preparing for Certification/ Exit examinations will resume. Students who fall into this category include; primary 6( Common Entrance Exams), JSS3 ( Junior Secondary School Exams), and SS3 ( Senior Secondary Certificate Exams), but pupils in Kindergarten(KG) Nursery, and Students in Higher Institutions were not given the “all clear” to resume. Speaking at the Presidential Tax Force (PTF) daily briefing on COVID-19, the chairman Boss Mustapha said the reopening of schools was to enable students in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations.
Boss Mustapha disclosed that this new developments were contained in the Task Force’s fifth interim report which was submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari earlier in the day. He said”I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the phase II of the ease lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.
“Specifically, however, the following measures will either remain in place or come into effect:
“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;
“Permission of movement across state boarder only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;
“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;
“Safe reopening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in- person in preparation for examinations;
“Safe reopening of domestic aviation service as soon as practicable;
Publication of reverse guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities;
“Provision of technical support for states to mobilize additional resources for the response.”
Recall that the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba had given the hint last week of a possible reopening of school when he visited the National Assembly to present a proposed guideline for school reopening.
