The Federal Government will meet with states on Tuesday to discuss the modalities for the safe reopening of primary and secondary schools, Sunday PUNCH has learnt. Schools across the country have remained shut since March in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country that has resulted in the infection of over 25,000. The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, had on Monday announced the resumption of schools, saying it was meant to allow pupils in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations. Despite the directive of the Federal Government to reopen schools, much still hangs in the balance as state governments struggle to decide on dates to reopen schools.

The Edo State Commissioner for Education, Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, told Sunday PUNCH that the state had yet to conclude the modalities for schools resumption. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr Jamiu Olawumi, however, told one of our correspondents that teachers would resume before pupils in terminal classes returned to schools.

Similarly, the Enugu State Government stated that it was putting all necessary safety measures in its schools before announcing a resumption day. In the same vein, the Plateau State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Elizabeth Wapmuk, said the state government was still consulting with stakeholders on when schools in the state could reopen. In Delta State, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Patrick Ukah, also stated that the state was still meeting with stakeholders on schools resumption. The Commissioner for Education in Gombe State, Dr Habu Dahiru, said efforts were underway to fumigate the schools for prompt resumption of pupils within the specified classes.

The Niger State Government also noted that it was weighing the risk of reopening schools and putting in place sufficient plans. The Benue State Government had, on Wednesday, after the State Executive Council meeting announced a partial reopening of schools for graduating pupils. The Ebonyi State Government, similarly, said reopening schools for terminal pupils in the state at present was equal to endangering their lives. In Rivers State, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Kaniye Ebeku, noted that the state was ready for schools to reopen but that it was awaiting the appointed date from the Federal Ministry of Education for synergy with other states.

Private schools plan four-hour daily classes

Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools has directed its members to run classes for only four hours daily and that pupils should stagger their resumption. In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, NAPSS National President, Chief Yomi Otubela, said most state governments had not announced their resumption dates, but that for those which had done so, private schools would begin the fumigation of their premises accordingly. "Otubela said schools had been instructed to have infrared thermometers and that teachers should avoid marking students’ books manually. " .

https://kicknaija.com.ng/2020/07/05/covid-19-fg-meets-state-governor-on-tuesday-to-discuss-school-resumption/

They should handle this thing well o, some children also have underlying illness that could prove fatal if infected with COVID 19

FG remember that children are pliable...

I hope they'll apply sense so as to come up with a reasonable, safe and feasible plan.