Nigerian government okays school resumption for students in terminal classes

Emmanuel Olorunsola

The Nigerian government has approved safe reopening of schools for pupils in terminal classes across the country as part of further easing of the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, made this known in Abuja on Monday while briefing the media on the activities of the task force. He however said that other categories of students are yet to be cleared for resumption.

According to him, the reopening of schools is to allow students in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations such as the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASCCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

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Although, government was silent on whether students in terminal classes in tertiary institutions should, resume, it however said that crèches and all nursery and primary schools remained shut.

Mustapha said, “I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase II of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.”

The Chairman stated that “Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:

“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator; permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1^st July, 2020.

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“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical intervention by states, in particular, the use of face masks in public places; safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations; safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable;  publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities; and  Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response.”