FG Warns Schools Against Overcrowding Ahead Of January 18 Resumption

The Federal Ministry of Education has advised school authorities to avoid “overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy”, ahead of the January 18 resumption.

The ministry, in a press release by its spokesperson, Ben Bem Goong, also said that the resumption date as earlier stipulated remains unchanged.

THE WHISTLER reported that the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had on Monday said the January 18 school resumption date was subject to review due to the upsurge in covid-19 cases.

But the ministry, on Thursday, said it had agreed with relevant stakeholders that schools should reopen on that date but on the condition that there would be strict compliance to the public health advisory on covid-19.

The statement partly reads:

“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 including:-

• Compulsory wearing of Facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools
• Temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools
• Ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers
• Enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.”

It also advised schools to follow the instructions of the Covid-19 Presidential Taskforce, from time to time.