The Federal Government has given assurance that all hands are on deck to ensure safe reopening of schools in the country.
While stating that the guidelines for the reopening of schools will soon be released, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 denied reports that made the rounds that schools will be reopened early next month.
Schools were shut across the country to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking at the press briefing on COVID-19 on Wednesday, the chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe reopening of schools in the country.
He said the measures to be put in place would be announced by the Ministry of Education.
His words: “The Presidential Task Force wishes to use the occasion of this celebration to congratulate our children and assure them, their parents and all stakeholders alike that all hands are on deck to reopen schools at a safe time.”
He added: “Today, 27th May, 2020 is also Children’s Day worldwide and this brings to mind the need to build a legacy that would guarantee a safe and secured future for our children. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation was faced with the challenge of out of school children. This has now been compounded by the compelling need for closure of schools as part of the measures to limit the spread of the virus.
“The PTF has been deliberating on this situation and wish to inform Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education will roll out measures to be put in place for safe re-opening of our schools. The Hon. Minister of Education (State) will be elaborating on the subject, this afternoon. He will also clarify the purported announcement of the resumption date which went viral last week.”
The PTF chairman called on all stakeholders, particularly states, local governments, proprietors and all other stakeholders to begin to take steps that would facilitate an early and safe reopening.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, said once the safety of the children and others were guaranteed, schools would reopen.
He also declared that the news that made the rounds giving a specific date for the reopening of schools did not emanate from the government.
