Nigerian govt releases guidelines for reopening of schools amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued guidelines for the reopening of schools ahead of planned resumption amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The guidelines signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Minister of State (Education), Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, which was issued on Monday outlined actions, measures and requirements needed for the safe reopening of schools after the COVID–19 pandemic.

The federal government in the new guidelines outlined the safe distancing measures and also required that in schools and other learning facilities, learners should be supported to stay two meters apart.

However, the government failed to reveal a resumption date for schools.

The document reads, “However, there are exceptions where the two-meter rule cannot be reasonably applied and other risk mitigation strategies may be adopted. Examples include early years, younger primary school children, and those with additional needs.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: NEC to meet with PTF over reopening of schools after education minister suspended plans

“In these circumstances, risk assessments must be undertaken with the best interests of the learners, teachers, and other education personnel in mind. The scenarios require organizing learners and children into small groups with consistent membership and compliance with the risk mitigation strategies. The membership of these groups should not change unless the NCDC public health guideline suggests otherwise.”

This came days after the decision of the Nigerian government to suspend the reopening of schools across the country was supported by the commissioners of education in the 19 northern states.

The government had earlier announced the reopening of schools across the country.

But the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, later announced that the earlier decision to reopen schools had been suspended due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

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