Sanwo-Olu reverses self, says Lagos schools can resume January 18
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu government has rescinded its directive to close non-tertiary schools indefinitely.
Although there is no evidence to back any assumption that open schools drive COVID-19 infections, the government had issued the directive as part of measures to curb the spread of what experts called a second wave of the coronavirus.
The government now says schools would be allowed to resume for a new term as earlier scheduled. This was after seven Nigerian states said they would not obey federal government guidelines on school closure.
Education commissioner Folasade Adefisayo, on Monday, announced the change of tone in a statement by the Head, Public Affairs, Ministry of Education, Kayode Abayomi.
The statement was titled “All public and private schools in Lagos State to resume 18th January 2021”.
“All public and private schools below the tertiary level in Lagos State should be reopened for the second term 2020/21 academic session from Monday, 18th of January, 2021,” the statement reads.
“Schools should have flexible plans where students and teachers who feel sick can teach or learn from home via available online platforms.
“Schools should also strive to avoid any COVID-19 infection among all students and staff”.
Adefisayo also asked “all schools to make efforts to comply with all the outlined COVID-19 requirements for resumption of schools.
“Not just for the improvement of overall school operations but for the safe reopening of academic activities to support the Lagos State Government’s quest for a full return.”
The commissioner enjoined teachers, students, and visitors to wear facemasks at all times, observe physical distancing, embrace regular handwashing with soap under running water and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene within the school premises.
