The Federal government says it has considered reopening schools as soon as possible. Adding that they will reopen schools any moment from now.
This notice was given by the government through a statement by the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba on Monday 24 August in Abuja streamed on NTA.
Mr. Nwajiuba revealed this during the usual briefing of the Presidential Task Force on situation of the pandemic.
According to the minister, the federal government working with representatives of tertiary institutions in the country.
This, he said, was aimed at full reopening of schools as soon as possible. However, there was no specific date given.
Nevertheless, the minister pleaded with Nigerian students to be patient with the Federal government. Adding that the government has stepped up effort to ensure school reopen any moment from now.
Photo by Maxwell Tega
Saying that almost all private universities in the country has expressed readiness to resume. While only about half of the number of public universities are ready from their submissions.
The minister of state for Education added that after considering all opinions and submitting same to the presidential task force, he will make an announcement on the date for resumption.
He said this was because they don’t want a situation where they announce resumption dates only to change it few days later.
Nevertheless, we’re looking at full reopening of schools, he added.
Recall that students under the umbrella of the National Association of University Students (NAUS) had on Wednesday 19 August protested closure of schools by the Federal government in Abuja.
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In response, the ministry of education pleaded with students across the country to have more patience, giving hope for reopening of school this year.
In the words of the education minister of state, “the date for the resumption of school is around the corner”.
Lagos NANS-JCC urges government to consider schools
Meanwhile, the Joint Council of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS-JCC), Lagos State yesterday urged the government to reopen schools so students can continue their studies.
This was made known in a statement by the new Lagos NANS JCC chairman, Comr. Ogunsanya Rasheed during their convention.
Rasheed who was elected chairman of NANS-JCC, Lagos state at the convention expressed worry over the hindered progress of students of the 10 tertiary institutions in Lagos state due to the indefinite closure of schools.
And therefore called on the government to consider the future of millions of Nigerian students who could fall into trauma owing to the current situation.
We understand your plight – NANS Zone B tells students
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone D (South West) has demanded for schools to be reopen across the country, although with strict adherence to safety protocols occasioned by the pandemic.
The is contained in a statement signed by the NANS Zone D coordinator, Comr. Kappo Samuel and Public Relations Officer, Comr. Olatunji Solace last week and sighted by TalkScholarship.
In the statement, the association noted that the government should keep and eye on safety measures while planning to reopen schools.
The statement added that the association was aware of the huge sum of money government has spent on treatment of Nigerians infected by the virus.
According to the publication by NANS Zone D, “We’re sad seeing Nigerian students sleeping and waiting without going to school for academic activities.
“We have received enormous complains from our colleagues. Some are considering staging massive protests against the government.
“We want to assure our colleagues that we are not unmindful of how they fell, but we don’t want a situation that would expose our colleagues to the pandemic.
“We’re assuring our colleagues that we’re loyal to them and not negotiating or mortgaging their interests with the government or anybody.
“We therefore appeal to the Federal government to consider our position and give it an urgent consideration”, the statement added.
Students knock NANS over silence
Recall that students across the country have berated the representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on popular social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter, over what most described as ‘eye and lip service’ to the plight of Nigerian students.
Recall that schools were shut in March, 2020 due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
While only recently were SS3 students allowed to take their Senior School Certificate of Examination (SSCE), although with adherence to safety guidelines.
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Universities cleared to start 2020 Post UTME
Also, the federal government has allowed universities to commence Post UTME screening for prospective students from September 7, 2020.
The onus is now on individual universities to determine their post utme screening date, particularly when it is safe to do so according to the federal government.
Indications now suggest schools are ‘likely’ to be opened from September, 2020.
Nigerian students can only look forward to better days ahead as we near a post-pandemic era.
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Maxwell is a Dietitian with passion for showing people hope. With nearly a decade experience helping people make key decisions on education and career, you can find him almost everywhere on this site. From answering admission and scholarship questions to creating tutorials and helping others live their best lives though nutrition. Connect with me on Twitter.