From Segun Amure, (The New Diplomat’s Abuja Bureau)
The Minster of Education, Mr. Adamu Adamu on Monday during the joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 said government will review the January 18th resumption date for schools in Nigeria.
He said the January 18 date announced for school reopening “is not sacrosanct. When we decided on that date it was just a target towards what we were working on. Of course, we are keeping it in view and looking at what is happening in society and then it is supposed to be subject to constant review. He said.
He further added that, “Even today (Monday) at the PTF meeting, we looked at the rising figures and thought about if we should probably take another look at it. On the January 18 resumption, we are reviewing it, we are going to review it. At the PTF meeting today (Monday), we considered it and tomorrow (today, Tuesday), the Ministry is going to take it up.”
Recall that the PTF had in December, 2020 gave the order that schools be closed till January 18 to prevent further the spread of Covid-19 in the country.
However, Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions towards this development as The New Diplomat sampled opinions of citizens.
For. Mr. Adeyemi, a final year student, “the postponement of resumption date is a setback to the students and the education sector. Especially tertiary institutions in the country because of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Federal Government strike which lasted for 9 months which has deprived the students of other future plans”
Miss. Adekunle applauded the government on the decision. She said, “Well, with the way things are going now, I mean the rising numbers in Covid-19 cases are increasing daily, it’s a safe decision for now so as to protect the children. I think it’s best that the FG postpone resumption.”
Also, Miss. Adewusi, a Postgraduate student said, “it’s better to reopen schools and stop wasting the lives of young Nigerians. All they need to do is make sure each student is tested before entering and all the covid 19 rules and facilities are put in place across the country.
“The federal government decision is not the best option. At least the student can comply with covid 19 protocols. These students have wasted a year waiting for ASUU to resume.This decision will destroy the educational sector in the country.” Mr. Afere said.
However, Nigerians on twitter have also reacted to the review of resumption date owing to the rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country.
@almeen who tweeted said, “Nigeria is blessed with resources but cursed with leaders. FG opened markets, banks, forced people to queue for NIN but think closing universities is what will end Covid-19? So, if Covid-19 take 2 years, we are to stay at home for another 2 years.
Mr. Charles who lamented the crowd at NIN registration centres across the country said, “there must be more with this NIN registration because I don’t understand why schools should remain closed and NIN centres remain crowded”
@Macylvester,” it’s appalling honestly. The way FG claims to protect us from Covid-19 second wave, opened worship centres and markets is denyiny children of the poor access to education.
“Wicked and heartless people. All your children studied abroad, our parents doesn’t have the money to take us abroad, let us have our future, stop closing schools when public places are open.” @mixshainie tweeted.
Notably, Mr. Alex in his response said, “Like other pathogenic micro-organisms, Covid-19 is here to stay. So, why should FG close schools. The closure has shown how ineffective the education sector has become.”
