Buhari Govt Releases Fresh Guidelines For Schools Reopening

The Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has released new guidelines for the reopening of schools across Nigeria.

This was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Sani Aliyu.

Naija News reports that the PTF had approved the reopening of schools across Nigeria in August after they were shut down to curb the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Aliyu stated that the new guidelines was developed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the PTF and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

He noted that schools and educational bodies that plan to reopen must have detailed communication protocols that include parents, school health teams, school authorities and local (and) state officials.

“They must also have a system for providing regular updates for parents, staff and relevant authorities as well as communicate changes to procedures effectively and clearly as well as taking effective measures to understand how COVID-19 can spread and how to mitigate the spread in line with official guidelines,” Aliyu said.

“Specifically, school authorities have the responsibilities to ensure that everyone gaining access to their schools is screened properly, is wearing a mask and sanitising their hands.

“Boarding schools must have identified areas for screening and putting positive students aside.
“There must be access to running water and handwashing facilities.

“The health staff, particularly in boarding schools, must be trained and provided with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

“There must be appropriate waste management systems.

“Health facilities that are within the schools that serve the schools should have the ability to cater for an outbreak and a response protocol must be in place for these schools for students who test positive. In this regard, it is important to involve their parents and make sure that parents have signed consent forms in advance.

“Schools should also work in synergy with the local government rapid response teams and collaborate with the state ministries of health on planning, implementation and reopening of schools.

“We encourage schools to consider creative solutions to abide by these guidelines.”