FG Shuts Down Schools Nationwide Over Coronavirus In Nigeria

The Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the immediate closure of tertiary institutions and unity schools across the nation as a measure to check coronavirus in Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the permanent secretary of the ministry of education, Sonny Echono, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday night, March 19.

“We have directed all higher institutions to close this weekend. Unity Schools that have completed their exams are to close immediately. Others are to hurry and close the latest on 26th March,” he said in a statement.

The statement said the federal government has also directed the principals of unity colleges nationwide to shut down.

“The Federal Government has ordered the closure of all the 104 Unity Schools in the country on the 26th of March, 2020 as a proactive step aimed at preventing the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus,” Ben Goong, director of press in the ministry of education, said in a statement.

“Giving the order today through the Permanent Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono, Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, said all the Principals of the Unity Colleges should fast track the on-going second term examinations and close shop until further notice.

“In the meantime, the Minister said the management of all the Unity Colleges should immediately activate the necessary emergency procedures and processes such as the provision of alcohol-based sanitizers, and handwashing facilities among others, adding that students should strictly adhere to the principles and best practices of good hygiene.”

Naija News reports that the statement said the principals were directed to immediately report any suspicious case to the nearest health authorities.

Meanwhile, Nigeria currently has 12 active coronavirus cases in the West African country. The federal government has taken many measures to prevent the spread of the disease.