Benue schools reopen Sept 21

Adefioye Iyunade

Commissioner for Education, Benue State, Professor Dennise Ityavya, has approved Monday, September 21, 2020 for resumption of all schools across the state.

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Ityavyar who announced this on Wednesday at Government House, Makurdi, while briefing journalists said both public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions are to abide by the directive.

He explained that the resumption is for first term of 2020 and 2021 academic session, stressing that third term for other categories of pupils and students except JSS 3 and SSS 3 had been cancelled including payment of school fees.

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“Let me emphasise on the issue of school fees so there is no confusion because if third term is cancelled, school fees for the term is also cancelled. But in the case of JSS 3 and SSS 3, parents are expected to pay their third term fees. However, those who have not done third term, they don’t need to pay fees and this applies to private and public schools,” Prof Ityavyar clarified.

According to the commissioner, it was the collective decision of stakeholders in the education sector in the state that all tertiary institutions be fumigated and COVID-19 protocols strictly observed.

He stated that parents are to provide facemasks and hand sanitizers while school authorities provide hand washing facilities and monitor compliance with social distancing in terms of sitting arrangement.

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Professor Ityavyar stated that schools with high population would have to operate morning and afternoon sessions to avoid congestion, stressing that strict monitoring would be carried out to ensure compliance.

The Education Commissioner who acknowledged the compliance of Benue people with COVID-19 protocols said first term would end on 18th December, 2020 while second term of 2020 and 2021 would commence on 7th January 2021 and end in March the same year.

Ityavyar, in another development, urged Benue people with requisite qualifications to apply for the National Teachers Scheme under the Universal Basic Education Board, UBEC, adding that interested persons could contact SUBEB for details.