FG Gives Fresh Conditions For Schools To Re-Open In Nigeria

As the gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown continues to take effect in different sectors of the economy, the federal government has unveiled provisions and guidelines that must be in place before schools can be re-opened.

The Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba announced the conditions in Abuja on Tuesday at the 2020 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB).

According to him, the conditions must be met by the schools before schools can be allowed to re-open.

Nwajiuba listed the conditions to include:

1. The decontamination of all schools and new class sizes which will accommodate social and physical distancing.

2. Hand-washing facilities,

3. Body temperature checks

4. Body disinfectants at all entering points to their major facilities including the gates, hostels, classes, offices, etc.

5. The whole premises of each institution must be decontaminated

6. All efforts must be geared toward maintenance of the highest level of hygiene

7. Ensure social/physical distancing in class sizes and meeting spaces.

Nwajiuba said: “While we Iook forward to easing the lockdown which win ultimately lead to re-opening of our campuses, I urge all the Heads of Institutions not to wait till the announcement on reopening before putting in place all necessary measures in compliance with the protocols and advisories of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“All Institutions must have (1) Hand-washing facilities, (2) Body temperature checks (3) Body disinfectants at all entering points to their major facilities including the gates, hosteis, classes, offices, etc. (4) The whole premises of each institution must be decontaminated and (5) All efforts must be geared toward maintenance of the highest level of hygiene (6) Ensure Social] Physical Distancing in class sizes and meeting spaces.

“Let me seize this opportunity to commend institutions that responded promptly with different innovations, including the manufacturing of some of the facilities that are required to attend to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“I am elated with the efforts that led to the production of Ventilator, Body Disinfectant, Hand Washing and Liquid Dispensers, Body Temperature Gauges, and many more. These are manifestations of the abundance of talents in the country and the result of research.”

The Minister reiterated that the government is worried about the continued closure of schools but must ensure the protection of lives is guaranteed when the schools finally re-open.

“As a member of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, let me assure all compatriots that the Government is very much concerned about the long lockdown of the nation’s educational institutions in particular and the economy in general.

” The Federal Government is doing everything possible to ensure that both lives and livelihood are given the top most priority that they deserve.

“We are aware that we must be alive to make a living while at the same time we are conscious that we must have a livelihood to stay a life,” he said.