Federal Government has given school owners till July 29 to meet specific guidelines for safe reopening of schools.
Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, stated this on Friday in Abuja, stressing that schools are expected to undertake self-assessment and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July, 2020.
He expressed that an official date for safe reopening of schools will be announced once these guidelines are in place.
Nwajiuba said the the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE), having consulted widely, has in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, developed and circulated guidelines for the reopening of schools.
According to the statement released by the Director of Information of FMoE, Ben Goong, the minister said school owners are expected to prepare and comply with the guidelines.
Nwajiuba stressed;
Thereafter, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise. Furthermore, the Minister said, having taken the painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders, and a mechanism to assess and monitor compliance shall be put in place.
The minister said the ministry consulted with Commissioners of Education in the 36 states, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors and development partners last week Tuesday.
Speaking about WAEC that was canceled, Nwajuiba noted;
We met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on a new examination date. We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter.
Parents should be rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations.
