Education

COVID-19: FG releases guidelines as it begins plans for schools’ resumption

Published

4 years ago

July 13, 2020

Sahara Weekly

DELTA COMMUNITIES LAMENT GROSS NEGLECT BY FG, AGENCIES, OIL COMPANIES.

•Says schools’ resumption ‘ll be in phases

•Recommends distance learning, satellite centres, online teachings, learning, others

•Also recommends staggered classes, attendance of pupils, students

•To fumigate schools, restructure classes in line with social distancing guideline

•Train teachers on hygiene, other safety measures

THE Federal Government, Monday, released guidelines ahead of the resumption of schools at every level in the country, but it failed to disclose when schools will resume.

The guidelines for the safe reopening of schools and learning facilities after the COVID-19 pandemic outlined actions, measures, and requirements needed for the safe reopening of schools.

The safe distancing measures in the new guidelines require that in schools and other learning facilities, learners should be supported to stay two meters apart.

“However, there are exceptions where the two-meter rule cannot be reasonably applied and other risk mitigation strategies may be adopted. Examples include early years, younger primary school children, and those with additional needs,” the document read.

It added: “In these circumstances, risk assessments must be undertaken with the best interests of the learners, teachers, and other education personnel in mind.

“The scenarios require organising learners and children into small groups with consistent membership and compliance with the risk mitigation strategies. The membership of these groups should not change unless the NCDC public health guideline suggests otherwise.”

With the release of the document, the government will conduct a rapid assessment and determine the funding requirement for upgrading infrastructure and facilities (such as classrooms, furniture, WASH, and ICT facilities) to meet and sustain prescribed safe school reopening requirements.

The Federal Ministry of Education, in the guidelines it developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Federal Ministry of Health and health safety experts, said it was time for it to plan and address the eventual safe reopening of schools and learning facilities.

It will be recalled that at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, schools and all learning facilities were closed in order to safeguard the health and general wellbeing of children, youths, teachers, and educational personnel.

Notable among the items in the guidelines are recommendations for the review of existing policies, practices, and risk mitigation strategies in the use of schools for other purposes, such as distance learning centres, temporary shelters, isolation, quarantine and treatment centres, markets, voting centres, among others.

The government, while noting that, “COVID-19 pandemic poses an enormous risk to the health and safety of learners, teachers, parents, school administrators, education practitioners, and the wider community”, regretted that, “More than 1.5 billion children and young people globally have been affected by school and university closures.

“As a responsible government, it is also our duty to provide comprehensive guidelines for a safe and hitch-free reopening of schools and learning facilities. We do so knowing that the health, safety, and security of learners,

teachers, education personnel, and families are priorities,” the government said in a guideline signed by the Ministers of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Hon Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.

The guidelines dealt extensively on equitable plans for school reopening and operations.

The document focuses on attendance, social distancing, hygiene, cleaning, and non-pharmaceutical interventions for safe and healthy school activities and programmes.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, explained that the need to develop the guidelines became imperative, “Given that COVID-19 may be with us for a while.”

He said the guidelines also highlight the urgent need to maintain and improve upon distance-learning programmes.

“Our aim is to identify and strengthen programmes that will guarantee the recovery of learning gaps resulting from the pandemic,” Adamu said, adding that “The guidelines were drafted in close coordination with health, environmental, education, and school safety experts who were tasked with the responsibility of charting a pathway for safely reopening our schools and learning facilities for quality teaching and learning.”

The approach, according to him, ensured that stakeholders provided regular feedback throughout the process.

“The Federal Ministry of Education expresses gratitude to the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Education in Emergencies

Working Group in Nigeria (EiEWGN) for their support and contribution to the development of the guidelines.”

While noting that, “Collaboration and partnerships are also a key focus of this document”, Adamu “thank the various stakeholders who have pledged their support and assistance toward the implementation of the guidelines.”

The goal of the guideline, the government explained, was “to support and facilitate prompt and safe achievement of the objectives of the Nigeria Education Sector COVID-19 Response Strategy.

“The guidelines will assist federal, state, and local governments and their relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), families, communities, and authorities in decision-making, approach modelling, and operational planning for safely reopening schools, recovering pre-pandemic capacities, and institutionalising good safe school practices for the transformation of the education sector in the long term,” it further explained.

It added: “The availability of these guidelines and implementation of its recommendations will ensure that all stakeholders within the educational system have a sense of their rights and responsibilities.

“In addition, this will help learners, teachers, parents, guardians, communities, and the larger society to trust the process of reopening and be assured that learning will continue in a safe and protective environment.

“This will also support governments in education reforms and effective service delivery during and post COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria,” it stressed.

Related Topics:COVID-19 Education Featured

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Education

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

Published

1 week ago

November 8, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.

Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.

The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.

Education

Bottomline Media Set To Host Ikorodu School Summit and Awards 2024

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Bottomline Media Set To Host Ikorodu School Summit and Awards 2024

Sahara Weekly Reports That All is now set for the much awaited Ikorodu School Summit and Awards 2024, scheduled to take place on Thursday November 28, 2024 at The Life Theological Seminary Center, Obafemi Awolowo Road, Ikorodu Lagos Nigeria.

Chief Host:

Hon. Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina,

Executive Chairman,

Ikorodu Local Government Area

Speakers:

Keynote Speaker: Pastor Olufemi Adefolarin Oshin

Pastor is charge of RCCG, Jesus Partners Assembly, LP 98 – Eruwen, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Special Guest Speaker: Hon. Folashade Olabanji Oba

Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government Area, Lagos State.

Guest Speaker: Mrs Owenaze Blessing Ella

Director, Unique Prella School, Ikorodu Lagos

Symposium: Lead Discussants

Princess Mulikat Fehintola Sanni, CEO, Mulifelong Motors

SP Ayuba Tunni Umma, PPRO Zone 2 Police Zonal Command, Onikan Lagos Nigeria

Pastor Prof. Durodola Olujide Ajani, Head of Schools, Dobar Group of Schools

Guests Of Honor:

Mr Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner For Basic and Secondary Education.

Senator Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA. lkorodu East Senatorial District

Hon. Babajimi Benson, Federal House Of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

Hon. Ogunleye Gbolahan, member Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu constituency 1

Moshood Aro, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Ikorodu State Constituency 2

Royal Father Of The Day:

HRM Oba Kebiru Adewale Shotobi

The AYANGBURE Of Ikorodu Kingdom

About The Summit

The Ikorodu School Summit & Awards is aimed at bringing together all stakeholders, including the administrators, school proprietors, community leaders, teachers, students, religious leaders, government officials, parents, security agencies, etc, under the same atmosphere to address the root causes of moral decadence in the society.

Theme: Education Beyond The School

Classroom: Addressing The Root Causes Of Moral Decadence In The Society

According to the convener of the summit, Arthur Igbolaju Richard who doubles as the publisher of Bottomline News Magazine online, the aim of this school summit is to promote education beyond the school classroom, and to help tackle the issue of moral decadence amongst our young population.

The summit will also recognize with awards deserving members of the society who have distinguished themselves by using their positions and resources to advance the development and advancement of education, and also those who have played excellent and exemplary role in building and developing the society.

society

Chrisland University Forges Strategic Partnership with ICSAN

Published

4 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Chrisland University Forges Strategic Partnership with ICSAN

Sahara Weekly Reports That In a significant step towards fostering collaboration and academic excellence, Chrisland University hosted a formal event marking the signing of a landmark Linkage Agreement with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).

The ceremony, which was held at the Senate Chamber of the University, commenced with an inspiring opening address by the Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, who emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between academia and professional bodies to equip students with essential leadership and administrative skills.

While speaking on the opportunities that will accrue through the programs, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the institute, Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, assured the University that the students and staff would benefit through the practical insights that will be brought to bear by the Governance experts. The President of ICSAN further highlighted the shared vision and commitment towards advancing governance and professional ethics in Nigeria.

The event culminated in the formal signing of the Linkage Agreement, symbolizing a promising partnership poised to offer students enriched learning experiences and greater access to professional development opportunities.

This collaboration is set to drive innovation and career readiness and contribute to the overall intellectual growth of Chrisland University staff and students.

ICSAN is an offshoot of the International professional body with its headquarters in London and associations in Commonwealth countries. The Institute is a member of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA). The Geneva-registered global organization is the global voice of corporate secretaries and governance professionals.

This linkage agreement will allow providing professional training and certification to our undergraduate students in the disciplines of Law, Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration, and Accounting.

The collaboration may also extend to providing training and certification to staff in the University Community in the areas of Corporate Governance and Administration, Corporate Secretaryship, and Corporate Financial Management.