BY FOLASHADE KEHINDE
THE Federal Government, on Thursday, confirmed the earlier announced January 18 resumption date for students across the country, with strict guidelines to contain the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has therefore directed schools to reduce class sizes, hostel occupancy and enforce compulsory wearing of face masks by all students, teachers and workers.
The Federal Government also banned overcrowding and large gatherings such as assemblies and visiting days.
Temperature checks are now mandatory, according to the Federal Government, while the schools must put in place hand washing facilities in strategic locations.
The schools must also put in place functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected COVID-19 cases to medical centres.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, disclosed these in a statement signed by the Director of Press in the ministry.
The decisions, according to the minister, were taken after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The minister said, “Sequel to the hint given during the press briefing on January 12, 2021, for the review of the proposed resumption date of January 18, 2021, the Federal Ministry of Education has undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of the situation.
“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 January 18 should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
“These measures, which are to ensure the safe reopening of schools for academic activities, will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.”
He warned stakeholders, particularly school authorities, to ensure strict compliance with protocols.
“For instance, we will have no choice than to enforce compulsory use of face masks by teachers and students. We will also make it clear that we shall be reviewing the situation from time to time after the resumption with a view to taking necessary decisions,” he noted.
