FG issues 12 day ultimatum for private school owners to meet COVID-19 guidelines

The Federal Government has given private school owners till July, 29 to conform with designed measures for safe reopening of schools.

It said schools are to embark on self-assessment and transmit results to State Ministries of Education, on or before 29th July, 2020.

The government said an official date for safe reopening of schools would be made public immediately these guidelines are ready.

Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, made this statement on Friday in Abuja.

Nwajiuba disclosed that the the Federal Ministry of Education has in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, drawn up and distributed protocol for the reopening of schools.

A statement by the Director of Information, FMoE, Ben Goong, on Friday revealed that the minister said school owners would strictly comply with the guidelines.

“Thereafter, consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise.

“Furthermore, 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,” the statement said.

The minister said his ministry has meet with Commissioners of Education in the 36 states, 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 since Tuesday last week.

Speaking on WAEC, Nwajuiba said: “we met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on a new examination date.

“We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter.

“Parents should be rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations