UPDATED: Federal Government Directs Schools To Resume Jan 18

Daily Metro News NG

The Federal Government has directed all schools to resume on Monday January 18, 2021 after consultation with major stakeholders.

The resumption decision was reached after a meeting with stakeholders which include state Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors of private schools and heads of institutions, staff unions and students at Abuja.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, said the consensus at the meeting was that the earlier resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

The meeting however agreed on compulsory use of facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools.

Other measures arrived at during the meeting included compulsory temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools, ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers and enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.

The meeting also seek for avoidance of overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy; availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities; adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.

“These measures which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance,” the statement read.