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Tag: Schools

  • COVID-19: FG urges schools to send pupils with respiratory symptoms home

    COVID-19: FG urges schools to send pupils with respiratory symptoms home

    National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, has urged schools to send pupils with respiratory symptoms consistent with Coronavirus (COVID-19) back home to reduce risk of transmission.

    Aliyu gave the advice on Monday at the COVID-19 National briefing in Abuja.

    Speaking on school reopening, he said that PTF would like to re-emphasis adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions by schools, particularly screening and heightening awareness with regards to COVID-19, following issues it had with Lagos State over outbreaks in some schools.

    “Any student presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, particularly respiratory symptoms or fever should not be allowed to come to school.

    ”When teachers noticed a child with respiratory symptoms, the child should be sent back home, so that we can reduce the risk of transmission.

    ”Just as it is important to communicate effectively with parents, staff, school health teams should be creating protocols and providing regular updates on any change to the school procedures as it relates to COVID.

    “We encourage schools to continue to consider creative solutions to abide by our COVID guidelines including staggered learning to avoid overcrowding, platooning, daily attendance and adjusting teachings among others,” he said

    The Coordinator said that 60 per cent of inbound travelers who paid for the compulsory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test but failed to turn up for the test seven days after arriving the country would be restricted from traveling for six months.

    According to him, on the issue of international travels, as we are aware we are approaching a very busy season, where we see a surge in passenger travel.

    ”The aim of the PTF over the next few weeks is to discourage travelling, especially non-essential travelling.

    ”We want to flattened that surge in passenger travel that we see every year around December. Why? Because of COVID-19.

    ”COVID-19 has changed the world, the way we interact, the way we deliver our services and it has to change the way we travel as well,” he said.

    Aliyu said that PTF was actively discouraging non-essential travels, adding that essential travels were travelling for study, work purposes, humanitarian services, to suppprt critical infrastructure, economic services and maintaining supply chain arrangements.

    He said that outside this, people should stay at their base over this period, adding that at the moment, there were a lot of travel restrictions going on in Europe and other places.

    Aliyu said that if the number of COVID-19 continue to increase and PTF noticed importation of infections, it would review the policy.

    ”I am not saying we will ban flights but I am also saying that we will do everything necessary to protect ourselves from a surge.

    “So, if you don’t want to be stranded whether in Nigeria or outside the country, think again about traveling over this period.

    ”If it is not essential stay put. There will be other seasons, there will be other celebrations, especially with vaccines now being available across board it is very likely that travels will be sorted, so all the testing and monitoring will go away.

    ”Once we have effective vaccines, I am sure the traveling community will soon be imposing rules on the need for vaccination, so once you are vaccinated it is very unlikely that there will be restrictions. So all these inconveniences are for a period of time,” he said.

    Aliyu said that Nigeria had one of the most strict systems in terms of double testing, adding that prospective travellers have to do a PCR test not more than five days before boarding and repeat the test at day seven.

    According to him, when it comes to COVID-19 test, not more than five days before boarding for Nigeria and you have to repeat the test after seven days.

    “We have been doing this for a number of passengers as explained by the chairman earlier, but 60 per cent of those that paid did not even turn up on day seven.

    ”You give out your money, pay for a service but you don’t even show up. So, we are not interested in the money because nothing comes to PTF, NCDC, or any federal parastatal if you pay for the test.

    ”The money goes to the laboratories and small percentage goes to the state governments as well as banks that run the portal.

    ”So, we are not interested in your money what we are interested in is the status of your COVID-19 when you come into the country.

    “Do you have COVID-19? If you do, we have to take measures to isolate you and we have to protect our population. If you do not have COVID-19, you exit from quarantine at day seven,” he said.

    The Coordinator said that PTF would enforce this over the coming days, adding that it had list of the first 300 passengers that had not done the test up to day 14.

    He said that it would streamline the results and create a COVID-19 restriction list for passengers that had not abided by its protocols and that the passengers would not be allowed to fly for six months.

    Aliyu said the task force hoped it would not have to continue doing this and that people would continue to comply with its protocol.

    “As I said, this is a short time measure, even the testing itself is a short time measure. Eventually, all this testing for travel purposes will stop as soon as we have an alternative that is safe such as vaccines.

    “So, the message is stay home. It is the best way to protect yourselves and others and please do not play Russian roulette with your family members,” he said.

  • #EndSARS violence: Lagos approves reopening of schools Monday

    #EndSARS violence: Lagos approves reopening of schools Monday

    The Lagos State Government has announced that schools across the state should re-open Monday, November 2, 2020. Boarding schools are to resume November 1.

    Lagos State Commissioner for education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, made the announcement via a press statement. On Monday, October 19, the government directed that all schools across the state be locked after hoodlums hijacked the #ENDSARS protest.

    The commissioner in her stamen disclosed that the year has been unprecedented with recent happenings as schools had to be closed frequently.

    The commissioner prayed that there will be no more disruptions in the academic calendar. However, the State Government will always regard the safety of pupils/students, parents, and all staff as a matter of priority, she disclosed.

    Mrs. Adefisayo recommends that when schools resume on Monday, teaching and learning should continue unhindered till the end of the term. She also advised pupils/students to take their studies more seriously to recover what they missed when schools were closed.

     

  • FCT schools to resume on Sunday

    FCT schools to resume on Sunday

    Schools at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja are to reopen on Sunday, October 11th.

    Boarding students are expected to resume on Sunday while academic activities will begin on Monday.

    The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello made the announcement while briefing journalists in Abuja, on Thursday.

    He said that the guidelines for the reopening of the schools will soon be released and the academic calendar will cover the third term that was left due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He adds that the FCT did not record any case during the reopening of schools for exit classes and is optimistic that officials and pupils will ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols once the schools reopen.

  • BREAKING: FG orders all schools in Nigeria to reopen

    BREAKING: FG orders all schools in Nigeria to reopen

    The federal government (FG) has ordered all schools in Nigeria to reopen after almost six months of stemming and trying to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education disclosed the FG’s order during a press briefing in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    He advised all institutions to obey and adhere to the guidelines for the reopening of schools, earlier announced by the presidential task force on COVID-19 (PTFCOVID19).

    The Education Minister said all unity schools should open by October 12, while states and private schools will determine their own modalities of reopening.

    “Having taken that painful but necessary decision, government has not rested on its oars in the areas of consultation with stakeholders, putting together guidelines for reopening of schools and preparations required of school owners to reopen.

    “We have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector, including the Association of Private School Owners, (APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice Chancellors of Universities, State Governors, our development partners, Honourable Commissioners of Education and relevant international organizations.

    ”Consequently, after due consultation with the Presidential Committee on COVID-19, we have decided that our 104 Unity Colleges should reopen on the 12th of October 12th, 2020.

    “State and Private School owners will work out the modalities for the re-opening of schools under their purview,” he said.

    The Minister, however, urged school owners to ensure social distancing procedures, develop and display at schools and conduct risk assessment with a view to understanding the gaps in the system.

    “I strongly urge school owners to put in place systems that meet the following: safe distancing procedures, develop and display at schools simple context-specific reference protocols on day-to-day actions to be operated in each school.

    ”Conduct risk assessment with a view to understanding the gaps in the system that can increase the risk of transmission and make recommendations for addressing the gaps.

    “Safety and hygiene in all stages and phases of the school reopening process which promote behaviours that reduced spread”

    “Establish a staff/students Committee for regular surveillance ,monitoring and enforcement of COVID 19 guidelines,” he added.

    He warned that schools that failed to adhere to outlined COVID-19 safety protocols, risk closure if there is an outbreak from such institutions.

  • Bayelsa Govt announces reopening of schools

    Bayelsa Govt announces reopening of schools

    Sequel to the flattening of the COVID-19 pandemic curve in the state, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has directed the reopening of all public and private schools from Monday, October 5.

    The directive covers public and private tertiary, secondary and primary schools across the state.

    The primary and secondary schools would resume for their third term.

    This was disclosed on Monday by the Committee on Safe Re-Opening of Schools after a meeting with Governor Diri in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Speaking to journalists, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Ayibaina Duba, said the government decided that resuming for the third term would redeem the time lost by the students as a result of the pandemic, which necessitated the closure of schools since March this year.

    His words: “The third term and session would terminate on December 18, 2020 and a new academic session would commence in January 2021.

    “Government has also directed the committee to close down private schools operating below government approved standards. This directive is strictly to protect students from learning under unhygienic environment, where they might be exposed to COVID-19 and other infections.

    “What we have done is to ensure that the lost time is regained. Therefore, the government of Bayelsa State under the leadership of Senator Douye Diri has decided with all the critical stakeholders that all schools, both public and private and all tertiary institutions, should resume for classes from the 5th of October 2020.

    “It has also come to the notice of government that many private schools are not up to standard and the governor directed the Ministry of Education to shut down such schools.”

  • COVID-19: Rivers announces date for reopening of schools, public places

    COVID-19: Rivers announces date for reopening of schools, public places

    The Rivers State Executive Council has approved the reopening of schools in the State with effect from Monday, October 5, 2020.

    The Council took the decision at an emergency session presided over by the State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Friday, September 25, 2020, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

    The Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku announced this while briefing journalists at the end of the meeting.

    According to him, all Secondary Schools, Vocational Schools, Universities and other Tertiary Institutions are to comply with the directive.

    He however stated that Council did not approve the reopening of primary schools based on expert medical advice.

    Professor Ebeku added that the Council also approved the setting up of a Seven-man Taskforce to monitor and enforce the compliance of COVID-19 protocols in the various schools.

    The Taskforce, he said, has the Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt, Ambassador Desmond Akawor as Chairman while Mr. Rufus Godwins, Head of the State Civil Service, Commissioner for Health, Professor Princewill Chike, Commissioner for Social Welfare, Mrs. Inime Aguma, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nwankpa and Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim are to serve as members.

    The Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku is to serve as Secretary.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim also announced the reopening of public places such as parks, cinemas and restaurants that would operate within the hours of 6am to 9pm daily.

    Nsirim stated that nightclubs and bars as well as Oil Mill Market and Slaughter Market, Oginigba remain closed.

    He noted that all the reopened public places must adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols or face severe sanctions.

  • Adamawa Govt announces reopening of schools

    Adamawa Govt announces reopening of schools

    Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has directed all public and private schools in the state to reopen on Oct. 12.

    Fintiri gave the directive in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr Humwashi Wonosikou, on Thursday in Yola.

    The governor, however, regretted the long closure of schools due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

    “I am pleased to announce Monday October 12 for resumption of academic activities from the basic to tertiary levels having wasted so much time.

    “As a government, we will not leave any stone unturned towards ensuring enforcement of the COVID-19 Protocols,’’ governor said.

    He directed the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development to meet with stakeholders in the sector to discuss modalities for the reopening.

    According to him, school managers should observe the COVID-19 Protocols and provide the necessary requirements

    needed for the safety of students.

    “Schools must ensure washing of hands at entry points, use of face mask and hand sanitizers as well as social distancing and proper hygiene.

    “Any institution or school found wanting risk closure and sanctioning,’’ Fintiri said.

    He advised parents to take interest in the health of their children and wards by assisting schools in providing the basic requirements to fight the pandemic.

  • Delta Govt approves reopening of primary, secondary schools

    Delta Govt approves reopening of primary, secondary schools

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the reopening of primary and secondary schools in the state for the conclusion of the 2019/2020 academic session and the commencement of the 2020/2021 new academic session.

    A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Patrick Ukah, in Asaba indicated that secondary school students in JSS 1, JSS 2, SS 1 and SS 2 that are yet to write the second term examination will resume from Monday, September 28, 2020 to Friday, October 9, 2020 to enable them prepare for and write their second term examinations in order to conclude the 2019/2020 academic session, while boarders are expected to resume on Sunday, October 27, 2020.

    Also, Primary School Pupils in primary 4 and 5 that are yet to complete the second term examination would resume on Tuesday October 6, 2020 to Friday, October 9, 2020.

    The statement further stressed that second term examinations will be waived for pupils in primaries 1 to 3.

    Mr. Ukah stated that the resumption date for First term in the 2020/2021 academic session for both pupils and students in primary and secondary school will run from Monday, October 12, 2020 to Friday December 18, 2020.

    While, the resumption date for Second Term is scheduled to commence on January 4, 2021 and terminate on Wednesday March 31, 2021.

    According to the Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner, third term is scheduled to commence from April 12, 2021 and end on August 13, 2021.

    He added that the resumption for all Nursery/Pre – primary KG 1 to 3 pupils have been deferred to January 2021.

    He advised parents and guardians to avail themselves of the resumption dates to prepare their children and wards.

  • Lagos releases resumption dates for 2020/2021 school session

    Lagos releases resumption dates for 2020/2021 school session

    The Lagos State Ministry of Education has approved resumption dates for the 2020 to 2021 school session.

    According to the time table, both public and private schools below tertiary level will resume First Term academic activities on Monday Sept. 21, 2020.

    The term is expected to run until Dec.18, 2020 while the second term will begin Jan. 4, 2021 and run until April 16, 2021.

    Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, the Dirsctor, the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) urged all public and private schools in the state to adhere strictly to the harmonised school calendar.

    The director urged school management to have a ”qualitative health and safety plan” that will help protect students, teachers and workers as schools reopen in the state.

    “It is not enough to reopen but to keep staying opened since some schools all over the world had to shut down after reopening due to a spike in the pandemic.

    “All schools must make efforts to comply with these requirements, not just for the improvement of the overall school operations but for safe reopening for academic activities,” she said.

    She also advised schools to have a flexible teaching and learning plans where students and teachers who feel sick can teach or learn from home via available online platforms.

    Seriki-Ayeni said schools must strive to avoid any COVID-19 infection in their school.

    She further advised that teachers, students and visitors must wear face mask at all time.

    She said that the students must observe physical distancing, regularly wash hands with soap under running water and maintain high standard of personal hygiene in the school premises.

    She said that schools must have an isolation/holding bay to care for medical emergencies should students come up with symptoms such as cough, headache, catarrh, difficulty in breathing, sneezing and fever.

    She also said further measures put in place by the Lagos State Government through the Office of Education Quality Assurance is for public and private schools in Lagos State to register online with the OEQA.

    They are to take the School Self-risk Assessment take the online training course to obtain reopening clearance for academic activities on the OEQA website: www.oeqalagos.com.

    According to her, this will help the Office of Education Quality Assurance to determine the level of preparedness as well as guide schools on what they need to put in place for a safe reopening.

    She implored school leaders to embrace new learning style like outdoor classes, staggered attendance, platooning or alternative attendance among others in collaboration with parents in a safe and secure environment.

  • Lagos releases 2020/2021 academic calendar for primary, secondary schools

    Lagos releases 2020/2021 academic calendar for primary, secondary schools

    The Lagos State Government has released the approved 2020/2021 academic calendar for primary and secondary schools in the State.

    Olaniran Emmanuel, Head of Public Affairs, Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) released the details in a statement at the weekend..

    In the approved calendar, first term begins September 21 and ends December 18, while second term will kick-off from January 4, 2021 to April 16, 2021.

    The third term will begin from May 4, 2021 and will end on August 6, 2021.

    Director-General, OEQA, Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, urged school leaders to have a qualitative health and safety plan that will help protect students, teachers and workers.

    She said it is not enough to reopen but to keep staying opened since some schools all over the world had to shut down after reopening due to a spike in the pandemic.

    “All schools must make efforts to comply with these requirements, not just for the improvement of the overall school operations but for safe reopening for academic activities to support the Lagos State Government quest for a full return.”

    The official advised schools to have a flexible teaching and learning plan where students and teachers who feel sick can teach or learn from home via available online platforms.

    Seriki-Ayeni reminded schools that they must strive to avoid COVID-19 infections.

    Teachers, students and visitors are expected to wear face mask at all time, observe physical distancing, wash hands at intervals and maintain high standard of personal hygiene.

    Lagos State government emphasized that schools must have an isolation/holding bay to care for medical emergencies should students come up with symptoms such as cough, headache, catarrh, difficulty in breathing, sneezing and fever.