Private schools in Abuja can offer online classes – FCTA

Opeyemi Adelere

The Federal Capital Territory Authority has given private schools in Abuja the go-ahead to offer online classes within the territory.

The Public Relations Officer for FCT Administration Education Secretariat, Mr Kabir Musa, made this known following an earlier statement credited to the Ag Education Secretary, Administration (FCTA), Mallam Umaru, warning schools against resuming the third term online or “in any form.”

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The PRO said private schools had not been barred from e-learning. “We are saying schools have not resumed for the third term. But we are not saying schools cannot engage their pupils in meaningful activities like e- learning. Schools are not allowed to charge fees online and call it fees for third term. When schools are to resume, we will factor in the security situation and announce the start of the third term at the appropriate time. But regarding charges for e-learning, that is based on an arrangement between schools and parents,” he said.

A statement earlier released by Umaru, had read: “The Education Secretariat wishes to remind school proprietors, parents and the general public that the directive closing all schools at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic explicitly stated that this directive was in effect “until further notice” which implies that no academic activities in all schools in any form shall commence until a notice to reopen is approved and conveyed by the Secretariat.

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“The Implication of this is that when the schools will be reopened, adequate notice of the fact that 2nd term was inconclusive will be factored into the academic calendar which will dovetail into the 3rd term accordingly. Any action taken otherwise is likely to negatively distort the academic calendar of the schools involved.

“School proprietors are therefore, advised to maintain the status quo and keep their schools closed and not re-open in any form while they await further directives from the FCTA. Violators of this directive will face the full wrath of the law.”