The Federal Government has given school owners in the country up to 29th July, 2020 to meet some guidelines towards the reopening of schools at a later date.
The Minister of State for Education, Mr Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba said the Ministry, had in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control,(NCDC), and the Education in Emergencies Working Group, to develop and circulate guidelines for the reopening of schools.
According to the Minister, school owners are to prepare and comply with the guidelines.
The minister said, schools are to undertake self-assessment and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July, 2020.
Thereafter, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise.
The Minister said, having taken the painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders, and a mechanism to assess and monitor compliance shall be put in place.
According to the Minister, ’“since Tuesday last week, we have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector, including Commissioners of Education in all the states of the federation, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria,(APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors, and development partners.”
Mr Nwajuiba said the ministry met with WAEC and agreed to further consult with four other countries on a new examination date.
He appreciated the concern shown by all stakeholders and noted the divergent views expressed on the matter, the Minister added.
He assured Parents that the safety of students and teachers were paramount as government is working hard towards speedy reopening of schools for the exit classes to take external examinations.