Government Approves Reopening Of Schools In Kaduna

The Kaduna State government has given approval for the reopening of schools for SS II, JSS II, and Primary 6 students in the state.

The government approved Sunday, 18th, and Monday, 19th October 2020, as resumption dates for boarding and day schools respectively.

The approval was made public in a statement by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Shehu Usman Mohammad who noted that full COVID-19 protocols must be observed as schools reopen.

For tertiary institutions in the state, the government explained that they are expected to approach the Ministry with their plans for a safe reopening based on the timetable submitted and are all expected to reopen as soon as possible.

The statement further explained that all administrators of public and private schools in the state will be held responsible for any breach of COVID-19 protocols as stated by the NCDC and the state COVID-19 Taskforce.

It added that parents on their part, are to provide their wards and children with facemasks to help curtail the spread of the virus.

Furthermore, to ensure proper social distancing, schools would be on 2 shifts – the first shift will be from 08:00 am – 12:00 pm while the second shift will be from 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm.

Class sizes should not be more than 20 students per normal class with 1.5m – 2.0m physical distancing, schools must have COVID-19 team which will comprise the SBMC, PTA, Community representative, students and teachers representatives that will monitor compliance.

For classes yet to be granted approval for resumption, the statement noted that the dates will be announced in due course while the government will continue the e-learning programme using Google classrooms, radio and television stations and other online applications until full normalcy is returned to the academic environment.