January 18 Resumption Date For Schools Stands - Minister

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu has said the January 18 school resumption date stands.

In a statement released on Thursday signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, he said the ministry has consulted with all relevant stakeholders and it was agreed that the January 18 date would remain.

He said, “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 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

The ministry said all school however had to adhere to COVID-19 protocols including the compulsory wearing of face masks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools, temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools.

The schools also had to ensure constant supply of water and sanitizers, enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days and avoiding overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy.

Other protocols include availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities.

The protocols also include adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.