The Kaduna State Government has announced Monday, 1st February 2021 as the resumption date for SS3, JSS3, and JSS1 for public and private schools.
It said the decision for partial resumption was taken after extensive appraisal of the second wave of the COVID-19 and a series of consultations with relevant stakeholders within and outside the state.
Phoebe Sukai Yayi, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, in a statement on Friday, January 29, 2021, said the government has also approved Primary 6, 5, and 4 of private schools only to resume on the same day.
She however said all public primary schools remain closed until all the COVID-19 protocols have been properly put in place.
According to her: “In view of this, the Kaduna State Ministry of Education is directing all Principals and Head Teachers to make arrangements to receive Boarding and Day students of the above-stated classes on Monday, 1st February 2021.
“However, the State Covid-19 Task Force will continue to monitor all schools to ensure safe learning environments against the pandemic in addition to strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the State Government.
“Thus, all administrators of public and private schools are to note that, they must comply with all COVID-19 Protocols (Temperature checks at the school entrance, compulsory wearing of facemasks, regular hand washing/use of sanitiser and all COVID-19 guidelines as directed by the COVID-19 Taskforce as well as those contained in the State FORWARD Campaign). Any bridge in complying with these protocols may lead to the closure of the affected school without any notice.”
She explained that schools will be on shift to enable them to meet these guidelines as the first shift will run from 08:00 am – 12:00noon while the second shift will be from 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm.
“The class size should not exceed 20 students per normal class with 1.5m to 2.0m physical distancing.
“Schools must also have COVID-19 Committee which will comprise of the SBMC, PTA, Community representative, health personnel, students and teachers to monitor and ensure compliance.
“Parents are also advised to provide their children/wards with facemasks and other sanitary items to help in curtailing the spread of the virus.
“Appropriate resumption dates for the rest of the classes (SS2, SS1, and JS2 in public and private schools and primary 3, 2, 1, and Nursery classes) will be announced in due course, subject to school’s compliance with guidelines in place.
“The Ministry appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders in the education sector for their continued support and understanding and invites all them to join its various monitoring teams in ensuring a safe learning environment for our children.
This directive also covers all Islamiya and Qur’anic Schools in the State, please,” she stated.
Source: The Nation
