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

Up Next

FG Agrees To Pay Salary Arrears Of Private School Teachers

Don't Miss

Methodist owned Wesley University owe staff up to 40 months Salaries

Sahara Weekly

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Education

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

Published

1 day ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Girau International School Extends Warm Wishes for Peace, Prosperity, and Safety This Festive Season

As the festive season approaches, Girau International School sends heartfelt wishes of peace and prosperity to its students, parents, and staff. The school emphasizes the value of unity and joy during this special time, while encouraging families to prioritize safety and well-being.

In a statement, the School Director highlighted the importance of parental guidance during the holidays, urging families to maintain open communication and ensure children’s activities are monitored responsibly.

“The holidays are a time for creating cherished memories,” the School Director said. “However, they also require vigilance. Parents play a key role in ensuring their children remain safe and make responsible choices during this period.”

Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and character development, Girau International School offers a robust curriculum that equips students with critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills. As the new year nears, the school remains steadfast in its mission to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to excel in a dynamic world.

Girau International School reaffirms its dedication to fostering a safe, supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally. The school also encourages families to embrace the spirit of the season while staying mindful of the challenges it may bring.

For more information about Girau International School’s programs and initiatives, please contact the administration.

Education

First Honour Schools: Celebrating a Decade of Academic Milestones

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2024

Sahara Weekly

First Honour Schools: Celebrating a Decade of Academic Milestones

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone for First Honour Schools as we proudly celebrate 10 years of transforming lives and shaping a brighter, greater generation for society through quality education.

Founded on October 8, 2014, First Honour Schools embarked on a mission to inspire learners to become passionate lifelong learners. Over the past decade, we have grown to encompass preschool, nursery, primary, and secondary classes, providing a holistic education that challenges, motivates, and inspires our students to aim high and achieve excellence.

A Vision for Transformative Education

At First Honour Schools, we believe in the wise saying that “knowledge is best acquired through sound education.” Education is the foundation upon which great individuals and economies are built, making it a right of every child rather than a privilege.

We are committed to providing every child with qualitative education because today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Without education, hope diminishes—but with it, the possibilities are endless.

We aim to raise a generation of transparent, accountable, and excellent future leaders.

At First Honour Schools, we nurture incorruptible, disciplined, and economically proficient individuals who understand that hard work is the secret to success.

A Decade of Impact and Excellence

Over the past ten years, First Honour Schools has consistently achieved remarkable milestones:

Infrastructure: With over 40 well-structured and conducive classrooms and 5 fully equipped laboratories, we provide an environment that fosters learning and creativity.
Student Body: We are proud to have nurtured over 500 learners, ensuring their holistic development through academic, moral, and social excellence.
Academic Excellence: 93% of our students consistently excel academically, thanks to the dedication of our well-trained teachers and robust curriculum.

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Vision: At First Honour Schools, we inspire children to be passionate lifelong learners through a curriculum rooted in pedagogical integrity, enabling them to stand out among their peers.
Mission: We serve as an effective educational resource for parents, assisting families in realizing their children’s full potential through active parent involvement and student-centered learning.
Core Values:
- Fostering healthy relationships with learners.
- Ensuring learners live purpose-driven lives.
- Stimulating self-discovery and excellence in all endeavors.

Why Choose First Honour Schools?

The combined efforts of our management, teachers, parents, and learners have yielded outstanding results, creating a legacy of academic excellence and character building. At First Honour Schools, we focus on raising well-rounded individuals equipped to excel academically and beyond.

If you’re searching for the perfect school for your children in Ifo, Arigbajo, Ewekoro, or surrounding areas, First Honour Schools is the ideal choice. We provide a conducive learning environment, accurate and engaging lectures, and discipline to prepare learners for the future.

Contact Us

Address: Off Sojuolu Road, via Alameda Bus Stop, Ifo, Ogun State.
Phone: +234 903 423 4983, +234 815 917 9150, +234 706 445 7778
Email:[email protected] | [email protected]

At First Honour Schools, we’re not just building a school; we’re building a legacy of excellence—one learner at a time.

Education

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Arch. Sunday Silver Echono, will on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 deliver the 36th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.

The lecture titled “Impact of Leadership Selection on Governance in Public Universities in Nigeria” will hold at Prof. C.O.E. Onwuliri Conference Hall, FUTO main campus, Owerri.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs). Nnenna Oti, will be the Chief Host at the lecture, which is expected to attract participants from within and outside the university community, especially the academia.

FUTO is the oldest university of technology in Nigeria, established in 1980 by Nigeria’s first Executive President, Shehu Shagari. It became the first of three such universities set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sought to establish a University of Technology in each geo-political region, particularly in a state which did not have a conventional university.

Arc.Sunday Sylva Togo Echono OON is a Nigerian diplomat, and architect who serves as the ninth Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund from 2022 till-date. Previously, Echono served as the Secretary of the Admissions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects from 2019 to 2021.

Sonny Echono was nominated by the Board of TETFUND in early 2022 and was subsequently appointed as the substantive 9th Executive Secretary (ES) of TETFUND on March 18, 2022, by former President Muhammad Buhari.
A former permanent secretary in federal ministries, Echono had been honoured by governmental and non-governmental bodies locally and internationally. He is a recipient of Officer of Order of Niger (OON).