The federal government of Nigeria as assured the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that institutions of learning would only be reopened when it is safe to do so.
This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19 Mr Boss Mustapha.
NANS had penultimate week stressed the need for government to reopen schools across the country.
“Today, the Senior Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) examinations commenced all over the country, like in other West African States, and the PTF is happy to note the high level of compliance with the protocols for the re-opening of exit classes.
“It is in this light that we appreciate the call by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for the reopening of tertiary institutions. As a listening government, we wish to state that education is topmost on the priority list and the reopening of our institutions remain critical, within set safety parameters,” he said.
The SGF commended the sub-national levels of government for their efforts at advancing the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Strategy.
“The PTF is happy to note that their ownership of the strategy has manifested in many states establishing sample collection centres in all their Local Government Areas, while those that are yet to do so are also working on it.
“Similarly, the establishment of treatment centres, which is contributing to the high number of discharge cases and reduced fatality, in most Local Government Areas is worth commending. We are fully in the community spread phase and one of the major measures we can take is to keep testing to detect, detect and treat,” he said.
The SGF also told journalists that all evacuation flights for stranded Nigerians would end on August 22, 2020 after which Airports would be given sufficient time to prepare for reopening.
“Our partners have continued to provide support for our National Response. Over the weekend, the United Arab Emirates presented Nigeria with 7.5 tonnes of medical supplies and also facilitated the return of stranded Nigerians in their country.
“The Nigerian government, wishes to express her appreciation to the government and good people of the United Arab Emirates and its people. The PTF similarly received additional PPEs from the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and Messrs Changzhou Sang Ma Education Foundation, a Chinese company.
“Particularly, we remember with deep sense of gratitude, the immeasurable role the late Mallam Samaila Isa Funtua played in facilitating the donation by the Chinese company. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
The SGF also condemned the viral social media trend alleged payment of money to obtain COVID-19 negative results, saying it was false and distracting. “For the benefit of all Nigerians and has been explained previously, by the DG, NCDC, samples are only collected at designated centres and not at the airports. It is, therefore, inconceivable that test results would be given at the airports where only passports of returnees are collected.
“It is disturbing to realise that while a good number of Nigerians are sharing their experiences with the coronavirus and encouraging others to take responsibility, some very few Nigerians are bent on spreading misleading information.
“Let us remember, therefore, that this war can only be won when we individually and collectively take responsibility so that we can return to a life devoid of this pandemic. Comply with the measures. Wear your mask properly, wash your hands regularly, stay away from crowds, maintain social distance and join the campaign,” he said.
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I thank the govt for her efforts,but with all due respect when will tertiary institutions reopen?When will the environment be considered safe when God has graciously made it so for us.
I wonder o…something that is safe they keep claiming it isnt
If they like, let them reopen school
Pls open our skul this virus is just a business to our Nigerian politicians
Thank Almighty Allah for helping us to take proactive measures against this deadly corona virus, at list by now in nigeria we should follows other African countries and the rest of the world to reopen our tertiary institutions being the giant in Africa
Pls we students are tired of staying at home, we are already becoming frustrated.
Reopen our school pls
Sch should re-open next year due to the hardship been inflicted on Nigerians by this pandemic. Notwithstanding, there will be a lots of debt to be settle upon Sch resumption.(new payment of rent, food n Xmas is at hand) To help the average Nigerian students and parents let them prepare against next year..
Let the school no open tell 2023 we wil all resumed with the election maybe the will reopened school for students
Let the school no reopened tell 2023 maybe during election they will reopened school for students for the sack of election.naija nawawoo
Covid 19 doesn’t exist in Nigeria reopen our schools and stop fighting western education.you failed to realize that FG also looses revenue throughout the year .finally go and read the book of Isaiah 49 in the bible.
The school should reopen by next year January, so, we student could prepare very well, for our first semester exam
I don’t see reason government can’t provide all requested guide by the ASUU which guarantee our resumption.please Federal government permit us to go back to school.
Government and ASUU….
You guys should not come and distract our hustle with any so called school reopening.
Schools especially the tertiary institutions should be permanently shut down… they have been very useless over the years.
A lot of youths have learnt the act of embracing entrepreneurship this so called lockdown season. Just between these few months without school, I’ve become both eternally and earthly useful with my life.. I’ve learnt Forex trading and I’m trading profitably now… I’ve learnt digital marketing amidst other high income generating skills. Let’s allow the vibe to continue. This is the only way to liberate Nigeria from her wretchedness. I have aired my point.
Please let remember that ” Time wait for nobody” we don’t know what will happen tommorow….. Save us (youth) from this stay home and standstill, because we are not making any progress in our academic aspects with this staying home and remember that we are the leader of tommorow….
I pray that may Allah guide us to the rightway and safe us from this pandemic season.