UPDATED : Schools resume January 18- FG insists

The Federal Government has directed schools to resume on January 18, 2021, after “due consultation” with stakeholders.

The decision was reached after a meeting with stakeholders, including Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, on Thursday.

It said the consensus at the meeting was that the resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

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The meeting, however, insisted on the compulsory wearing of facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools.

‘’Other measures arrived at during the meeting included compulsory temperature checks and handwashing facilities at strategic locations in all schools, ensuring a constant supply of water and sanitisers and enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days, ‘’said the statement.

‘’The meeting called for the 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 the 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 added.