Coronavirus: Again, Buhari Govt Speaks On Reopening Schools

The Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has insisted that schools at all level must remain closed as the country battles the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This was made known in a government circular dated Friday, May 8, 2020, and sent to heads of commissions and regulatory bodies in the education sector.

The circular was sent to the executive secretaries, National Universities Commission, NUC; National Board for Technical Education, NBTE; National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, and the Director, Basic and Secondary Education, BSE.

The federal government through the Ministry of Education asked schools to ignore fake news in the social media that it had directed resumption of schools.

The Ministry of Education, in the letter, through the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono, entitled: Re: Management of Coronavirus Pandemic,” said: “All schools shall remain closed as we closely monitor developments on the containment of COVID-19.”

“Further to our earlier circular, FME/PSE/HE/1041/C 1/Vol.1/137 of 19th March, 2020, this is to confirm that all schools shall remain closed as we monitor developments on the containment of COVID-19.

“This is without prejudice to officers on essential services and other operational exigencies as may be determined by the chief executive of each institution.

“All chief executives and other stakeholders are to ignore ‘fake news’ on the subject matter in the social media as the situation is under constant review and any decision on the resumption shall be conveyed through the appropriate channels.”

Following the directive by the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC) warned vice chancellors against reopening universities for any activities.

The NUC directed Vice Chancellors to ensure strict sustenance of ongoing closure of universities until further notice.

The Commission enjoined them to strictly adhere to the ministry’s directive.