School Resumption: NUC Directs Universities To Fast-Track Reopening Arrangements

The National Universities Commission has directed vice-chancellors to fast-track safe reopening arrangements in line with the Covid-19 public health advisory.

NUC gave the directive in a memo through the Executive Secretary’s Office and signed by a Director, Chris Maiyaki.

Recall that the Covid-19 Presidential Taskforce had hinted that schools might likely reopen by the end of the third phase of the eased lockdown.

Also, the Federal Ministry of Education, through the Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba, had stated that reopening was now based on the readiness of the schools and the approval of sub-nationals.

NUC noted that going by the decline in Covid-19 cases, tertiary institutions had been given the nod toward immediate resumption.

However, it warned that the schools should not treat the safety measures outlined with levity, adding that it would go round for an inspection.

The memo, on Tuesday, partly reads:

“Following the recent press briefing by the Presidential Task Force Team on COVID – 19, to the effect that significant deadline in the reproduction number (R-value) for COVID – 19 has been recorded in the country, the Federal Ministry of Education has accepted the request of the National Universities Commission for Universities to firm up arrangement towards the immediate resumption of academic activities.

“Universities should expect inspection visits from staffs of the commission and the Ministry of Education for on-the-spot inspections of physical facilities such as the lecture theatres, accommodation, healthcare facilities.’’

“Universities must continue to adhere to the safety protocols and the NCDC guidelines which are very much in force.”