Despite the pressure being mounted by some organisations, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities, against reopening of schools amid the second wave of the pandemic, the Federal Government has finally resolved to go ahead with the January 18, 2021, resumption date for schools nationwide.
It was gathered that the decision to retain the date was taken after due consultations between the Ministry of Education and critical stakeholders in the education sector.
Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education, had during the press briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Monday said January 18 resumption date was not sacrosanct, further indicating that the date would be reviewed without giving further details.
Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, the National President of ASUU, had kicked against the reopening of schools amid the pandemic.
Ogunyemi urged the government to provide the ideal environment and meet the conditions spelt out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control before reopening schools across the country.
But the Minister of Education, Adamu, on Thursday, revealed that his ministry had resolved to retain the January 18 resumption date.
READ ALSO: Don’t Fret, Here Is How To Obtain “Unique NIN” – NCC To Corporate Organisations
He said:
You will recall that at the Monday briefing of the PTF, I mentioned that the task force directed our ministry to review the January 18 planned resumption date and come back with a decision on whether to retain it or further extend the school closure.
Based on that directive, senior officials in the ministry met on the matter. We took a decision on the matter.
Apart from that, we decided to also consult with other stakeholders, like state commissioners for education. We have also done that.
The outcome of our consultation is that majority of the stakeholders want the January 18 resumption date to remain.
So, it is now our collective decision that the resumption should remain January 18. We intend to make the formal announcement either today (Thursday) or tomorrow (Friday).
