FG bans assemblies, large gatherings as schools resume Monday

The Federal Government has banned overcrowding and large gatherings such as assemblies and visiting days, as schools reopen on Monday.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, gave the directive in a statement by the Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong.

Adamu said schools should limit class sizes and hostel occupancy, adding that schools must ensure compulsory wearing of face masks by all students, teachers.and workers.

He said schools must ensure temperature checks, put hand washing facilities in strategic locations and ensure constant supply of water and sanitizers

The minister also directed schools to make available functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities.

The statement read in part: “Sequel to the hint given during the press briefing on January 12, 2021 for the review of the proposed resumption date of January 18, 2021, the Federal Ministry of Education has undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of the situation.

“After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including state governors, commissioners of education, proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students, the consensus of opinion is that the resumption date of January 18 should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

“These measures, which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities, will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.”

Adamu said school authorities would be asked to ensure strict compliance with existing and fresh guidelines that would be released.

“We shall be warning stakeholders, particularly school authorities to ensure strict compliance with protocols.

“For instance, we will have no choice than to enforce compulsory use of face masks by teachers and students

“We will also make it clear that we shall be reviewing the situation from time to time after resumption with a view to taking necessary decisions,” he added.