FG asks schools to resume on January 18

The Federal Government has directed schools to resume academic activities on January 18, 2021.

It said the decision was reached after a meeting with stakeholders, such as state governors, their commissioners for education, school proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students.

A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, said it was unanimously agreed that the resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions should ensure full compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.

The meeting insisted on the compulsory wearing of face masks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools.

Other measures arrived at during the meeting included compulsory temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools, ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers with enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.

Other measures agreed on are avoidance of overcrowding, including limitation in class sizes and hostel occupancy; availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities; adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/approved by the PTF from time to time.

The statement said, “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 of Education, Adamu Adamu, had earlier said the January 18 resumption date was being reviewed in view of the resurgence of COVID-19 with new strains spreading across many countries including Nigeria.

But the PTF on COVID-19 team came out a few days later to clarify that the report of the postponement in school resumption date was not true, adding that the matter was still being reviewed by the Ministry of Education.