COVID-19: Ondo State Govt set to reopen schools, give conditions

Following the closure of schools on March 20, 2020 in Ondo State due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government is set to reopen for academic activities.

With the pandemic still on rampage, the State government released guidelines, as well conditions for the reopening of schools across the State.

The guidelines were announced by the state’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology during a meeting with the executives of All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS, held at Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure.

According to the Commissioner for the Ministry, Femi Agagu, the meeting was called with the view of involving stakeholders within the education sector in the drive to open schools in Ondo State.

Agagu disclosed that the first on the guidelines was the sensitization meeting with principals of public secondary schools across the state which would be followed with private schools and the Parent Teachers Association (PTA).

The Commissioner, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Akin Asaniyan stated that the guidelines were to ensure students’ safety as government prepares to bring those in graduating classes back to school.

He maintained that assemblies, sporting activities, as well as other events that could negate social distancing would be suspended.

According to him, under the new arrangements, schools will resume at 8am and close by 2pm from Mondays to Fridays and the class sitting arrangement will also be scattered in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

The principals were also urged to adhere to the principles of social distancing, proper ventilation in the classrooms, as well as constant washing of hands, proper waste management, among others.