The federal government of Nigeria has directed schools to resume today January 18, 2021 across the country amidst fears of the rampaging coronavirus (COVID-19) second wave of the virus, which is on the increase. At the weekend, Lagos State alone accounted for over 900 new cases of COVID-19.
Ben Goong, the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, said in a statement that the decision not to change the date was taken after wide consultation with stakeholders. It would be recalled that the Minister of Education, Mr Adamu Adamu, had earlier disclosed that the date might be reviewed due to the increase of the rampaging coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Goong Thursday last week disclosed that schools have been directed to reopen today (Monday January 18, 2021) under strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. But a lot of parents are worried about the health of their children as nobody knows the level of compliance to the COVID-19 protocol at the different schools.
The statement reads, “Sequel to the hint given during the press briefing of 12 January 2021 for the review of the proposed resumption date of 18 January 2021, the Federal Ministry of Education has undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of the situation.”
“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including State Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students, the consensus of opinion is that the resumption date of 18 January should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols,” the statement concluded.
