As schools prepare to reopen on Monday, January 18, the Federal Government has banned large gatherings such as assemblies and visiting days, and has asked school authorities to limit the number of students in classes and hostels.
The Federal Government also urged all schools to provide constant water supply for washing of hands and ensure that there are available health facilities for isolation of suspected cases, including wearing of facemask by both teachers and students.
These conditions were listed in a statement by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, released by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, On Thursday.
He said the decision to maintain the January 18 resumption date was after “extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including state governors, commissioners of education, proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students.”
The statement reads, “Sequel to the hint given during the press briefing on January 12, 2021 for the review of the proposed resumption date of January 18, 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 January 18 should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
“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.”
The minister further urged school authorities to ensure strict compliance to the Covid-19 protocols together with existing and fresh guidelines that would be released.
“We shall be warning stakeholders, particularly school authorities to ensure strict compliance with protocols.
“For instance, we will have no choice than to enforce compulsory use of face masks by teachers and students.
“We will also make it clear that we shall be reviewing the situation from time to time after resumption with a view to taking necessary decisions,” he added.
