In line with the   Federal Government’s resolve to reopen schools across the country, as it battles to combat the Corona Virus pandemic,  school owners  have been charge   to prepare and comply with the Federal Government’s guidelines  towards the reopening of schools at a date to be announced in due course. 

The Minister of State for Education, Honourable  Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who stated this Friday in Abuja, said the Ministry, having consulted widely, has in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, developed and circulated guidelines for the reopening of schools across the country. 

He  said schools are to undertake self-assessment  and send feedback to State Ministries of Education, not later than 29th July, 2020.  In which  consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise. 

Honourable Nwajiuba lamented that it has been a  painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
He pointed out  that the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders  and a mechanism has been put in place  to assess and monitor compliance.

According to the Minister, Since Tuesday last week, we have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector, including Commissioners of Education in all the states of the federation, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria,(APSON), National Association  of Proprietors of Private Schools,(NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics,  Vice Chancellors of Universities, some State Governors, and  development partners geared towards safe reopening of schools.

On WAEC, Hon. Nwajuiba said “we met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on a new examination date.We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter, the Minister added. Parents should be rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards speedy reopening of our schools for the exit classes to take external examinations”.