Re-opening of schools: Minister of Education issues fresh directives to proprietors
The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba on Friday in Abuja gave proprietors of schools up to 29th July, 2020 to meet specific guidelines towards the reopening of schools at a date to be announced in due course.
He issued the directive preparatory to reopening of schools, saying that, “the Ministry, having consulted widely, has in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control,(NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, developed and circulated guidelines for the reopening of schools.”
According to the Minister, school owners are to prepare and comply with the guidelines.
“Schools are to undertake self-assessment and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July, 2020”, he insisted.
“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.
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.
On WAEC, Hon. 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, the Minister added.
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.
