​FG Date for Primary & Secondary Schools Nationwide (2022)

​FG Date for Primary & Secondary Schools Nationwide (2022)

The resumption of academic activities in both elementary and secondary schools in Nigeria has been announced by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Education. Academic activities have been scheduled to resume for 3rd term 2022/2023 academic session.

School Resumption Date For Primary & Secondary Schools

In order to harmonize the academic and non activities in all primary and secondary schools in Nigeria, the federal government has directed that all schools (primary and secondary, private and public) resume on the same date.

The official resumption date for all schools has been fixed by the ministry of education as Monday 9th May 2022. This is to keep all academic activities in line the the approved academic calendar for the 2022/2023 academic session.

The resumption date above is binding on all schools including all Unity schools (Federal and State government colleges) across the nation. The 3rd term has been scheduled to run for a period of 3 and a half months in order to meet up with the September resumption which marks the beginning of a fresh academic session.

The federal ministry of education stated that all Federal Government Colleges (unity schools) shall resume as follows:

Junior Secondary School (Day and boarding students) – Sunday 8th of May 2022

Senior Secondary Schools (Day and boarding students) – Monday 9th May 2022.

All parents and guardians are to take note of the above information on behalf of their wards.

Resumption: FUNAAB debunks ASUU's Chairman's claims, insist on resumption

Resumption: FUNAAB debunks ASUU's Chairman's claims

.....says it is politically-motivated

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Kolawole Salako has described as political, mischievous, baseless and unfounded the university's ASUU chairman, Dr. Adebayo Oni's claim in the media that the school is not prepared resume academic activities.

Debunking the claim on Monday at a news conference, Prof. Salako said there was much to it than meet the eyes, dismissing it as a politically-motivated statement intended to satisfy selfish curiousity.

The University's Management reaction came even as the Leadership of the students Union passed a vote of confidence on the Vice Chancellor and the readiness of the university to resume virtually and physically.

Prof. Salako told journalists at a press conference on Monday that all measures had been put in place, including the fumigation of the campus for not less than ten times since March, 2020.

He added that the management had been producing its own hand sanitizers as well as the procurement of hand-washing basins and soaps needed to keep the students and members of staff safe from contracting the virus.

To validate the management's position, Prof. Salako took the journalists on tour of some newly completed and rehabilitated buildings that have been equipped with latest technological gadgets to aid virtual teaching and learning.

The Vice Chancellor added that the buildings also have equipped laboratories, auditoriums, lecture theaters, classrooms with each being 50-seated, 100-seated, 200-seated capacity as well as newly constructed and renovated administrative offices and hostels.

He hinted that about 150 solar panels have been installed in some of the buildings to provide alternative sources of electricity and aid the planned hybrid system of academic activities.

According to Prof. Salako, "the university is ready to receive students both online and physically and we are going to ensure that all the students adhere to covid-19 protocols.

"One things that this administration is known for is that we are not just building, we are equipping. We are committed and responsible to ensuring that things work in the school despite the threat posed by Covid-19".

He lamented that students are tired of staying at home, promising that the management would do everything possible to cover the academic gap caused by the closure of the campus.

Lagos reveals criteria for promotion for student

Lagos State Government-owned schools will be promote it’s pupil to the next classes using continuous assessments.

The commissioner for Education in Lagos, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo revealed on Thursday on Channels Television.

“(For) the reopening (of schools) we’re doing, we are working with the Federal Government so I will not unilaterally say that we are doing this or that but we are planning,” Adefisayo said during a programme on Channels Television on Thursday.

“There are two scenarios, if we don’t have third term, it means that we push next session to next year.

“Each one has its own complexity but we will do what is best for the students. But if the students do not do the third term examination, they will use their CA (continuous assessment).”

Nigerian Varsities To Remain Close Indefinitely

The Federal Government has declared that tertiary institutions would remain under lock indefinitely to protect students and lecturers from contracting coronavirus in the country.

It said that the continued closure was due to indices emanating from various parts of the country which shows that Nigeria was yet to flattened coronavirus curve and cannot relax measures introduced to curb community transmission of the disease.

According to the government, the school would only be reopened when coronavirus cases subside and everyone visiting the school premises could be guaranteed safety of their health.

The declaration by the apex government was said to have dashed the hopes of students and lecturers awaiting a date for reopening of tertiary institutions in the country.

As gathered, the students and lecturers were said to have wished that the government reopen the varsities for commencement of physical learning after approving resumption of academic activities in secondary schools and markets in the country.

Although the students were said to have commenced online learning after sudden closure of schools, however, concerns raised by the lecturers were that conducting examination online could be difficult and requested the government to reopen the institutions for learning.

Announcing the government declaration on Thursday after a meeting with representatives of private tertiary institutions in the country, Minister of State for Education, Chekwuemeka Nwajiuba, said that the schools remain under lock until the cases in the country subsided.

Nwajiuba noted that the government wished that lockdown and other measures introduced to flatten coronavirus curve could be lifted completely but indices from states do not support it.

The minister hinted that after the meeting, the varsities representatives left with a conviction that the action of the government was not to prevent academic activities rather, to ensure safety of the students and their lecturers after reopening.

He said: “Today, I met with owners of private tertiary institutions in the country and during the meeting, they demanded that the schools be reopened since the government has approved reopening of markets that have more population than the schools in the country.

“And I told them that it was true that the markets have more population than the schools but I made them understand that it will be unwise to reopen the schools when we have not received any clean bill from the Presidential Task Force that the community transmission of the virus has subsided and cases in the country have reduced”.

Ahead resumption today, FG disinfects 19,000 unity schools

Senior Secondary 3 students trekking to School after the federal government lifted the COVID-19 lockdown for them to resume classes in preparation for the forthcoming exam by the West African Examinations Councils at Ijaye Ogba road in Agege, Lagos yesterday

The Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education has commenced decontamination of 19,000 unity schools in preparation for their resumption.

The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, while briefing newsmen in Kaduna, said the collaborating ministries had put in place a sustainable system which would protect the health of learners and their caregivers’ at all educational levels.

WASSCE: Lagos Secondary schools resume amidst COVID-19

School resumption: FG decontaminates 19,000 exam centers

While re-assuring parents of the safety and well-being of their wards, he urged them to ensure they were properly kitted with face masks during the examination.

“Starting with the Federal Government Colleges (Unity schools) and then some of the schools that will host the Senior School Certificate Examination, numbering about 19, 000, whereas the unity schools will be subjected to thorough decontamination/disinfection in the coming days immediately after the Eid-el-Kabir break.

Our personnel would be mounting surveillance in some of the examination centers.

“This will include decontaminating examination halls at the end of every examination session. As with the decontamination and disinfection previously embarked upon by the ministry, this time around, it will entail the use of friendly and globally accepted formulations-friendly to the environment and people,” he said.

Also, the federal government yesterday confirmed that all the 104 Unity schools across the country were ready for reopening for exit classes today (Tuesday) in compliance with its earlier directive to enable final year students prepare for their examination.

As part of measures to this effect, various states yesterday rolled out guidelines aimed at mitigating the spread of the CVID-19 pandemic.

While all returning students are to undergo temperature checks among other protocols before being admitted into their schools, temperature tests are also expected to be carried out on students, it was gathered.

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, after a meeting with Commissioners of Education of the 36 states of the Federation via the Zoom platform yesterday, lauded Principals of Unity Colleges for the comprehensive preparation put in place for resumption.

The Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Ben Bem Goong, in a statement said during the meeting, the Commissioners reported varying degrees of preparation and readiness for reopening between the 4th and 10th of August, 2020 for virtually all schools within their jurisdictions.

He noted that from Monday (yesterday), the Minister of State for Education, Permanent Secretary and Directors had embarked on an assessment tour of all Unity Colleges to ascertain and confirm the reports they received from the Principals of Unity Colleges.

FCT

Schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are set to resume classes for exit students but Daily Trust findings have revealed that most of the schools are yet to put in place safety measures.

Our reporter, who visited some primary and secondary schools in the territory, observed that none of the schools have been decontaminated.

In LEA Science Primary School Abaji, there was no indication that fumigation was carried out while Junior Secondary School, Kekeshi, in the area was also not fumigated.

Also in Kwali Central Primary School and Government Secondary School at Oversea Quarters, there was no sign of decontamination of the schools.

The chairman of the FCT wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Comrade Stephen Knabayi, said no school has been fumigated, saying ” as I am talking to you right now, we are still holding meeting with regards to the issue of the fumigation of schools and other NCDC guidelines for schools resumption.

But according to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the FCTA’s Education Secretariat at 7:00pm yesterday, the FCTA said it carried out the fumigation of secondary schools, as well as made available facemasks, hand sanitizers and infrared thermometers for use in the schools.

The statement said the Chairman, FCT Secondary Education Board, Hon. Yahaya Musa Muhammad, briefed newsmen about the development  yesterday.

Rivers

In Rivers State, COVID-19 hygiene kits purchased by the state government were distributed to 257 public schools last weekend in line with the guidelines for the resumption of schools.

Governor Nyesom Wike said the sanitary and hygiene kits which include hand sanitizers, gloves, face masks, detergents, running water buckets, and disinfectants were part of government’s effort to ensure that students were not infected with the coronavirus as they return to school for their exit examinations.

The governor urged the Principals to ensure the proper utilization of the kits by sanitizing their school environment and also follow the necessary COVID-19 protocols.

Lagos

Our reporter who monitored resumption in some schools in Lagos State observed that both public and private schools were open to final year students.

At Agidingbi Senior Grammar School along Lateef Jakande road, our reporter observed a banner welcoming the students back from COVID-19 lockdown and also asking those with fever, cough or shortness of breath not to enter the school premises.

From the gate, students, teachers and visitors’ temperature were checked by the security with an infrared thermometer while they were asked to use hand sanitizers before going into the school premises.

A staff of the school who spoke on ground of anonymity told our reporter that there was over 60percent turn out of students to school on the first day of resumption, saying about 70 out of the 120 SS3 students were present in school.

An SS3 students at the Agidingbi senior grammar school, Eze Blessing expressed happiness over school resumption, saying, it would help her prepare better for her examination. “At the moment, I am about 70per cent prepared for the WASSCE but with the resumption, I will do better because there is power in collaboration and learning under a tutor amidst colleagues,” she said.

 Kwara

The Kwara State government on Monday gave out 65,000 face masks for distribution across schools ahead of Wednesday’s resumption of students preparing for the secondary school certificate examinations.

A statement by the spokesperson for the state technical committee on COVID-19, Rafiu Ajakaye said the face masks are to be distributed to senior secondary class three (exit) students as part the government’s efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19 transmission in Kwara State.

Presenting the face masks to the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Bisola Ahmed for onward distribution to SS3 students, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19, Kayode Alabi said, “This is the first phase as we are also giving out sanitizers while the ministry of education, working with the committee and stakeholders in the sector, has been mandated to ensure that safety rules are adhered to.”

Plateau

Our correspondent who went round some public and private schools alike observed that there were no sign of hand washing materials at the entrances of schools just as the security men had no thermometers to check people’s temperature.

It was gathered that the schools had been asked to provide all the necessary equipment for themselves, as the authorities vowed to go round the schools to ensure compliance with the measures.

A teacher with Government Secondary School in Tudun Wada, Jos, who preferred anonymity said they were told that COVID-19 materials would not be immediately available due to lack of funds.

Gov. Abiodun Summons Education Adviser, Soyombo, Health Commissioner Over N25,000 Covid-19 Test Payment

Apparently disgruntled by the rave of public outcry against the outrageous amount slammed on Private Schools Students by the State Ministry of Education, the Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has summoned the Special Adviser on Basic and Secondary education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo and the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker to his office this morning. 

A top official in the ministry of education informed that the governor was angry over the ugly development which has further crippled the popularity of his administration.

She claimed the governor was unaware of the levy on private secondary school students for covid-19 test on the state.

The impeccable source who pleaded anonymity confided in our reporter that, the subsidized N25,000 for the covid-19 test by private primary and secondary schools students was solely the decision of the Special Adviser and some top Directors of the Ministry of Education. 

The source further hinted that payment for treatment of Covid-19 can only be approved at the State Executive Council meeting and such decision should have been announced by the governor himself in his last Thursday update on covid-19. 

"My brother, the governor is not happy about this development at all, most especially when he knew nothing about the said N25,000 charge on secondary school students. 

"How can a reasonable government impose such amount as a levy on secondary school students in this current situation when all businesses have been affected due to covid-19. When people of the state can barely eat three square of a meal. It is uncalled for and so unfortunate we are having this kind of situation in the state. 

"But this will be so because the majority of those appointed by the governor are not professionals and grassroots. Soyombo herself, where is she from? These people are just brought in from Lagos and abroad to come and rule without feeling the pains of the people. They believe all fingers are equal and everybody can live the kind of expensive lives they lived. 

"But I can tell you that, something will be done soonest over the matter as the governor has summoned the Special Adviser on Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Ronke Soyombo and I learnt the Commissioner of Health has also be invited by the governor as well. 

"Maybe after their meeting with the governor this morning, you press guys might be invited for a press conference by the governor himself or a press release will be issued by the CPS to the Governor. So, let's wait and see what happen next. Thank you".

It would be recalled that crisis brewed out in the state on Sunday following the instruction by the state ministry of education directing all secondary school students preparing for WAEC to undergone covid-19 test ahead of reopening of schools on Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

The visibly angry parents in a viral video slammed the state governor and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker for inflicting more hardship on them following economic downturn as a result of the global pandemic which has affected many businesses to crumble. 

The parents who protested against the government's decision to charge the sum of N25,000 on each student before testing them for covid-19 queried why the government would impose levy on students of private schools while their counterparts in public schools were tested free.

NUC List 58 Fake Universities In Nigeria

The National Universities Commission, NUC, has warned the Operators of 58 fake universities carrying out illegal operations at the moment in Nigeria.

The commission also disclosed that it was investigating eight other universities for running illegal degree programs.

Check If your School is there …..

1. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, operating anywhere in Nigeria

2. Christians of Charity American University of Science and Technology, Nkpor, Anambra State or any of its other campuses

3. University of Industry, Yaba, Lagos or any of its other campuses

4. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

5. Blacksmith University, Akwa or any of its other campuses

6. Volta University College, HO, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

7. Royal University, Izhia, PO BOX 800, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State or any of its other campuses

8. Atlanta University, Anyigba, Kogi state or any of its other campuses

9. United Christian University, Macotis campus, Imo State or any of its other campuses

10. United Nigeria University College, Okija Anambra State or any of its other campuses.

11. Samuel Ahmadu University, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its other campuses

12. UNESCO University, Ndoni, Rivers State or any of its other campuses

13. Saint Augustine’s University of Technology, Jos, Pleateu State or any of its other campuses

14. The International University, Missouri USA, Kano and Lagos studies centres or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

15. Collumbus University, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria

16. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria

17. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria

18. London External Studies, UK, operating anywhere in Nigeria

19. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria

20. Lobi Business School, Makurdi, Benue State or any of its campuses in Nigeria

21. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria

22. Bolta University College, Aba or any of its campuses in Nigeria

23. JBC Seminary Inc. (Wukari Jubilee University) Kaduna illegal campus

24. Western University, Esie Kwara State or any of its campuses in Nigeria

25. St. Andrews University College, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

26. EC-Council USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre

27. Atlas University, Ikot Udoso Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

28. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

29. Halifax Gateway University, Ikeja or any of its campuses in Nigeria

30. Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

31. Acada University, Akinlalu Oyo state or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

32. Filfom University, Mbaise, Imo State or any of its other campuses in Nigeria

33. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria

34. Atlantic Intercontinental University, Okija Anambra State

35. Open International University, Akure

36. Middle Belt University (North Central University) Otukpo

37. Lead Way University, Ugheli, Delta State

38. Metro University, Dutse/Bwari Abuja

39. Southend University, Ngwuro Egeru (Afam) Ndoki, Rivers State

40. Olympic University, Nsukka, Enugu State

41. Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Abuja

42. Temple University, Abuja

43. Irish University Business School, London, operating anywhere in Nigeria

44. National University of Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State

45. University of Accountancy and Management Studies, Mowe, Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and its annex at 41, Ikorodu road, Lagos.

46. University of Education, Wenneba Ghana operating anywhere in Nigeria

47. Cape Coast University, Ghana operating in Nigeria

48. African University Cooperative Development (AUCD) Cotonou, Benin Republic operating anywhere in Nigeria

49. Pacific Western University, Denver Colorado, Oweri study centre

50. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos

51. Enugu State University of Science and Technology (Gboko campus)

52. Career Light Resources centre, Jos.

53. University of West Africa, Kwali Abuja, FCT

54. Coastal University, Iba Oku, Akwa Ibom State

55. Kaduna Business School, Kaduna

56. Royal University of Theology, Minna, Niger State

57. West African Union University, in collaboration with International Professional College of Administration, Science and Technology, Nigeria operating anywhere in Nigeria

58.Gospel Missionary Foundation (GMF), Theological University, 165 Isolo road, Cele bus stop, Egbe Ikotun, Lagos

The commission also said eight universities are currently undergoing investigation for illegally running degree programs.

The eight universities are:

1) National Universities of Nigeria, Keffi , Nassarawa State.

2) North Central University, Otukpo, Benue state.

3) Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University.

4) Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia state.

5) West Coast University, Umuahia.

6) Saint Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti state.

7) Volta University College, Aba, Abia state.

8) Illegal Satellite Campuses of Ambrose Alli University.

It warned:“For the avoidance of doubt, anybody who patronises or obtains any certificate from any of these illegal institutions does so at his or her own risk. ”

According to NUC, appropriate law enforcement agencies have been informed for necessary action against the universities.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun cancels 3rd term as schools reopen on Tuesday

The Ogun state government has cancelled 3rd term for primary and post primary schools in the State while adding that the schools that have complied with the safety measures put in place to curtail the spread of covid-19 will open on Tuesday 4th August, 2020

Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said this while addressing newsmen on the efforts made so far to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the State held at Oke mosan, Abeokuta.

The state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced the reopening on Wednesday, when he addressed a press conference at his Oke-Mosan office.

Governor Abiodun said the school reopening, which takes effect on August 4 is for students in SSS3 classes.

 

Abiodun also announced automatic promotions for students in all classes.

He said worship centres will reopen on August 14, with strict adherence to specified guidelines.

The governor also reiterated that weekend lockdown will continue till August 14 when churches and mosques are expected to open for worshippers.

Meanwhile, congregational prayer will not be allowed during the Eid-el-Kabir, as the governor advised Muslim faithful to avoid large gatherings and observe social distancing while they celebrate Sallah

WASSCE: Students optimistic as teachers, parents fear mass failure

Time too short for preparation — Teachers FG to domesticate timetable We’re ready – Private schools Nigeria not ready to reopen schools — NMA   Graduating students in secondary schools across the country yesterday expressed joy over the reopening of schools for them to write their final year examinations. 

Many of those interviewed said they were tired of staying at home and saw the reopening of schools as a glad tiding. 

Officials of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) said they have registered 1, 549, 463 candidates from 19, 129 schools to write the West African School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Nigeria. But teachers and some parents expressed mixed feelings with some of them predicting mass failure considering that their students and children have been at home due to coronavirus. 

They said the students missed “precious months” at home and that with the exception of few, the students did not use the opportunity to read ahead of the exams. 

Health experts also expressed worry that asking students back to school could be a recipe for further spread of coronavirus. 

The federal government said yesterday that all secondary schools in the country will resume academic activities for final year students on August 4, 2020. 

A statement by the spokesperson of the ministry, Ben Goong, said: “Students will have two weeks within which to prepare for the West African Examinations (WAEC) due to start on the 17th of August, 2020. 

“These were the unanimous decisions reached today (yesterday) at a virtual consultative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, Honourable Commissioners of Education of the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), the proprietors of private schools, and Chief Executives of examination bodies 

“The meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to the federal government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and public spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them fast track the preparations for safe reopening, as agreed. 

“Another meeting is to be convened tomorrow between the Federal Ministry of Education and Chief Executives of examination bodies namely, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS to harmonise their examination dates, which will be conveyed to stakeholders expeditiously by the Federal Ministry of Education,” the statement said. 

Yesterday’s decision was a new twist to earlier comments by government officials. The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, had last week said they would opt for the GCE since the WASSCE cannot be rescheduled for any reason. 

He stated this during the bi-weekly Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. We’ll pass our exams Abbas Musa Abubakar, an SSS 3 student at Hayatul Islam Private School, Jos, said he was happy that schools would resume. 

He said, “We are not reading at home since the closure of schools because friends and other activities at home won’t allow you to read.

Besides, we don’t have someone to serve as a teacher.  Now that the school is resuming, we believe we can catch up with what we have missed,” he said. In Lagos, an SSS 3 student, Mariam Musa, expressed joy over the development, saying it will enable her to conclude her secondary education and forge ahead without any delay. 

A student of community secondary school Oyigbo, Rivers State, Chidinma  Nweke, said “I am happy that we are going back to school, but I want to appeal to the federal government to give us a little time to enable us recover some of our lost time and prepare for the exams.” Another student, John Ikechukwu, said, “We have been at home since March and this has affected our studies. I would like to commend the federal government for reopening schools.” 

In Kaduna, Shimi Jatau of Anchor College said the announcement was too sudden. “I am indifferent about it because it is too sudden. I mean, we should have been told this earlier or given more time to prepare our minds. But at the same time, I am okay with the idea of resuming August 4th because we will be moving forward and not staying at home doing nothing. Abubakar Ahmad Musa of Command Secondary School, Kaduna, said he had prepared for his final examination. 

“I am ready because I can’t wait to complete my secondary. Already, we have a WhatsApp group where we discuss various topics with my classmates during the lockdown,” he said. Time too short to make students ready A Senior Secondary School English teacher with Capville Schools, Abuja, Hassan Taiye Ibrahim, said two weeks would not be enough to get the students prepared for examinations. “Many of the students saw the COVID-19 lockdown as a prolonged holiday and it is now that they will start scraping to read up. 

Only a few of them are prepared for the exams,” he said. Hassan Sani, a teacher  in Kano, Michael Yusuf who teaches mathematics in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, and Yafati Babagana, a guidance and counselling official in Maiduguri, said they feared mass failure if the WASSCE is held in the next two weeks. “The students missed a whole term and I don’t think it is possible for them to recover in two weeks,” Sani said. “I pray our students pass but there is no magic in writing exams…If you know, you know,” he said. Yafati on her part said students would require a lot of mentoring to succeed. “We know how difficult it is but I want to suggest that governments at all levels provide opportunities for extra lessons for the students in order to cope,” she said. Also, the CEO of the Voyage International School, Abuja, Yussuff Oriyomi, said many students have not been reading but watching television at home and would therefore require more time to get back to their books. 

A parent in Lagos who gave his name as Mr Matthew, and whose child is in SSS 3, said he would not take the government seriously any longer on the issue of school reopening until its pronouncement becomes a reality. “Was it not the same government that announced earlier that schools would be opened for exams and abruptly rescinded its decision? 

So, I won’t be surprised if the government before August 4 said it has cancelled its plan to reopen schools for examinations,” he said. Why we support school resumption The Secretary General of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) Dr. Mike Ene who was part of the meeting where a decision was reached yesterday, said they agreed to the resumption of schools after getting reports from state governments.

 “Following the assurances we got, we have to concur…Some commissioners said they are 80 percent ready and that even NCDC has given them certificates of readiness,” he said. He said most of the schools had finished their mock examinations adding, “What they need to do is little revisions and enter the exam hall.” He noted that the idea of starting from 4th was to have two weeks to do revisions. “Ordinarily, one month would have been better so that everything will fall into place, but everybody  including the teachers, students, parents, government and stakeholders have to make sacrifices because if we miss August, we will have to wait until November. 

“Already Ghana has started its WAEC, so the only time you can take all the four papers that the four regions will take is to start from 17th of August; after August the next one will be in November/December and if Nigeria is to go for that, parents would pay again. “So, having looked at all the options, we see that August is the time so that we will not interrupt the entire school calendar,” he added.

 Private schools applaud decision The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in its reaction appreciated the federal and state governments for their resolve to reopen schools to allow students in the country prepare for their WASSCE.

 The National President of the Association, Chief Yomi Otubela, said it was cheering news for students, parents, teachers, school owners and other stakeholders who had shown concerns over the initial suspension of the examination. He assured that NAPPS was fully ready to ensure that proprietors took safety as a priority in schools. “We shall use the opportunity of this resumption to assess the workability of safety protocols that are in place in schools and hope that we can use the success of it to ensure other students fully resume as soon as possible,” he said. Our plans in Nigeria The federal government said yesterday that WASSCE subject’s peculiar to Nigerian candidates would be taken from September 5 through September 14, 2020. 

The Minister of State Education, Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said this while answering questions at the 53rd joint national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. According to him, the exams for subjects common to all English speaking West Africa countries, (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia) will however, proceed as previously published on August 17. 

He said, “This varies the timetable we agitated earlier by as much as two weeks. What the agreement entails is WAEC West Africa and all the countries that are in it have agreed that the exams should proceed, but the exams peculiar to Nigeria will be taken from September 5 through to September 14.” He added that Nigeria will work out an arrangement to domesticate its own timetable for the exams. 

The minister said, “The exams that are common to all the countries of West Africa will proceed as previously published on August 17. 

This today was accepted by every state in Nigeria and endorsed by the Presidential Task Force today at our meeting. Revision classes begin from today (Monday).” He said that this is to ensure that exiting SS3 students will have two weeks to prepare for the WASSCE examinations. Too early to put students in class The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Innocent Ujah, said Nigeria was not ready to reopen schools because of the poor level of compliance to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines against COVID-19. He said it was not that medical experts do not want Nigerian children to be educated, but that it was important to note that only those who were alive could go to school and be educated. 

He said the reason the government was reopening schools was because of the pressure from teachers, proprietors and parents. He said parents who were insisting that their children must write examinations have also not factored the fact that their children could be infected with the virus. Prof. Ujah said Nigeria should note that South Africa re-opened schools and many students got infected, forcing authorities to reverse the decision. 

He said the federal government should have checked that all requirements for COVID-19 prevention were met before reopening schools. 

He said people were also supposed to be trained on ensuring student’s compliance to use of face masks, social distancing and also carry out daily temperature checks on students. “The NMA feels the pressure put by parents on the federal government to reopen schools should be noted so that if there are issues, they shouldn’t blame the government,” Prof. Ujah said. 

Source: daily trust

Oyo State Release Calendar for Schools Resumption And Examination For Terminal Classes

Press Release

Oyo State Calendar for Schools Resumption And Examination For Terminal Classes

The Oyo State Executive Council at its meeting today 21st of July 2020 has approved the academic calendar to guide resumption of schools and other associated educational activities in the State.

According to the approved calendar, Third Term 2019/2020 session has been cancelled and promotion of students, for all affected classes, will now be determined by First and Second Term Continuous Assessment.

Pry 6, JSS 3 and SSS 3 will proceed on holiday from 30th of July and resume for their Examination as follows;

Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE)- 10th to 18th August 2020

Competitive Entrance Examination into the Schools of Science- 19th August 2020

Placement/Screening Test to JSS1- 20th August 2020

Placement Test into Technical Colleges- 28th August 2020

The SSS 3 will resume for their Examination as soon as WAEC announce the date.

The 2020/21 academic session, according to the calendar approved by the State Council is as follows;

First Term- 21th September to 18th December 2020

Second Term- 11th January to 9th April 2021

Third Term- 3rd May to 30th July 2021

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology enjoins all stakeholders and members of the public to take note of the details of the academic calendar.

Signed

Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology

Govt alone can’t revamp basic education infrastructure – FG

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has said the state of dilapidation of basic education infrastructure across the country is embarrassing, but that the Federal Government cannot handle it alone.

Nwajiuba said this while presenting the Royal Icon of Hope for Nigerian Children award to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, in his palace on Tuesday.

Senate wants Almajiri education integrated into formal system

Education: North still lagging behind — Tambuwal

He said there was, therefore, the need for the private sector to get involved.

Represented by his Special Assistant on Projects, Engr. Adewale Adenaike, the minister said to promptly tackle defects of infrastructure, the Rapid Repair Report Project under Project Naija, Foundation Trust was initiated.

He explained the mode of operation of the project, saying “If there is a roof leakage in a classroom, for instance, it will be reported on our website and the person that reported the problem will be the one to execute the project using local artisans after we obtain the estimate of its cost.”

The minister further said the award was in recognition of the emir’s immeasurable support for education and for him to be in the driver’s seat to achieve the objective of the project.

North still lagging behind in Education — Tambuwal

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwa

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has lamented that Northern part of Nigeria is still lagging behind in terms of education, underscoring the need for stakeholders in the region to address the situation.

He stated this when he received a delegation of the Committee of the Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian States’ Universities (CPCNSU) on a condolence visit over the death of the Pro-Chancellor of the Sokoto State University, Barrister Inuwa Abdulkadir at Government House, Sokoto.

He urged stakeholders to pool resources to rescue the zone from its backwardness in terms of education.

“We as leaders should provide them with basic education by creating the enabling environment and making provisions for necessary infrastructure, learning materials and personnel for the education of our younger ones

“This is our collective responsibility to see that our younger ones are educated, particularly those children that are out of school,” he said

Tambuwal lauded the contributions of the committee to the development of education in states and Nigeria in general.

The leader of the delegation of the Pro-Chancellors, Gen. Muhammad Magoro (rtd), noted that late Abdulkadir was a proactive member of the committee.

He described him as a patriot who was vast in many fields of human endeavour.

COVID-19: Ekiti reopens schools, worship centres

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said worship centres in the  state may resume for services as from Friday, July 17th,  inline

with the agreement reached by the state government with leaders of religious organisations in the state.

Governor  Fayemi who disclosed this on Tuesday in a state-wide broadcast on the next stage in the State’s COVID-19 Response said arrangements are in top gear to ensure that pupils and students return to school from July 20 as recommended by stakeholders in the education sector.

He also noted that the  two largest markets in Ado Ekiti, the Oja Oba and Bisi Market, will now be open to lock-up shops only subject to

compliance with protocols stressing that street trading, makeshift stalls kiosks and open display of wares in the said markets remain

banned.

The Governor also announced that the state government has taken an N2.5 billion Life Insurance cover of N2 million each for 500 frontline

medical personnel involved in COVID-19 assignment in addition to the prompt payment of COVID-19 special allowances to qualified cadres.

However, he expressed dismay with the increasing refusal of residents to wear face masks in public which he said could spike community

transmission of the disease.

Fayemi said security agencies and the Ministry of Justice have been directed to arrest and prosecute any person caught in public places

without wearing the face mask appropriately covering the nose, mouth and chin.

Expatiating on the conditions to be met before public worship resume, Fayemi said social distancing of six feet must be observed and hand washing, as well as use of face masks, are compulsory.

According to him,  maximum capacity for each building should be determined with the six feet social distancing principle adding that the number must be conspicuously displayed outside the building.

Schools to reopen for final year Students, SSCE, BECE, primary six students, July 13 – FG

FEDERAL Government  has given indications of reopening schools on July 13, 2020, for final year, Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) students.

This was made know by Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha during COVID-19 daily briefing in Abuja, yesterday.

According to the SGF, Federal Goverment intends to reopen schools for the final year students, SSCE and primary six students, contrary to his statement on Monday, that schools shall remain closed until further evaluations.

He said “This decision is imperative as these people that fall under this category will be able to take their exams so as to take a step ahead.”

This announcement came barely two days after the second phase of the lockdown ended.

The Task Force Committee said it was working in systematic and fact based way to ensure all its decision making was informed by the best public health data and global best practices that ensure safe re-opening.

He revealed that consultations to various stakeholders have already started and additional consultations on Memorandum of Understanding being dispatched to various learning institutions and other sectors for their views on the proposed reopening for safety.

Schools will however be re-opened for all students later when federal government is convinced that lives of students will be safe while at school.

Prepare for a Post-Covid School Resumption

Do you know how to prepare your schools for a Post-Covid Resumption?

There are 3 phases when preparing for school resumption:

Pre-resumption phase

Resumption phase

Post resumption phase

Pre-resumption phase

1) Fumigation and cleaning: Every school must undergo thorough cleaning and fumigation to ensure it is a SAFE space for our children 

2) Staff meeting: Whether physical or virtual, staff must meet with management to discuss how several safety components will function to ensure a SAFE school e.g. hand washing, mask usage, classroom social distancing etc.

3) Hand washing plans: Do you have hand washing stations in your school or will you be using sanitizer spots? How will you ensure cross contamination does not happen? You must start to think of how learners and staff will maintain clean hands.

4) Classroom social distancing: This is the time to rethink your class size and its arrangement. Would you need to alter school schedules in order to prevent overcrowding in class?

5) Staff training: All staff must undergo training on the new standard operating procedures. Every single staff both teaching and non-teaching must receive this safety training so they can act correctly on resumption.

6) Procedure for managing identified cases: Yes, you must have a plan for this with assigned roles and responsibilities. Preparedness ensures that the likelihood of error with damaging consequences is reduced. Don't just say "God forbid", create a plan in line with NCDC protocols.

7) Communicate with parents: Parents are wary of sending their children back to school. If they do not have a choice, they will look for a school that has gone the extra mile to ensure child safety. Therefore, communicate with parents on the systems you have put in place. This will boost their confidence in your school. 

I'd share the remaining parts in these series in the coming days.

GOVERNOR WIKE OF RIVERS STATE UNVEILING THE BITTER AND HARD TRUTH ABOUT REVIEWING EDUCATION AFTER COVID-19

Governor Wike of Rivers State is really making sense here. Read and deeply ponder about his take on the topic.

"After COVID-19 we really need to review our education system and its core values in this nation. If there's anything COVID-19 has exposed or taught us is how useless our education system really is in Nigeria. We can't even use our education to solve our problems in terms of crisis. We can't manufacture test kits, we have to rely on others to do it for us, can't make our own standard ventilators, we aren't even trying to manufacture any serious drug or produce any vaccine on our own, we are just waiting for others to do it. Are we saying that if others don't give us test kits we wont be able to carry out the test? 

If they don't manufacture ventilators we won't? If they don't make any drug or vaccine we will all sit down and die??????

We can't even sit down to think of our own home grown solutions that will work for us with our unique culture and situation, instead of copying the emergency trial and error lockdowns that Western nations had to introduce for themselves to fight the virus. We seriously need to sit down and review our education and it's importance to us as a society and how we should use it to solve our problems after this pandemic is over.

We the governors in Nigeria needs to invest here than embezzling state funds to buy edifice in abroad.

Now there's no abroad to go again and no hospital here, how do we survive!?

For example do a research to find out if there is any single COVID 19 case in Madagascar as of today the answer is non because they used self made herb to cure the virus while the evil WHO disapproved it but the president have an order to use it even drank it on live broadcast.

NYESOM WIKE

RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR.

Are u an eyewitness? And you want your story to be published

Send your stories to:

Whatsapp number:- +2348161164458

Email:- olamipaul@gmail.com

Digital class: if things continue like, only the rich will be educated.

The federal government need to see to things else, only the rich will be educated.

The federal government, state government and others are creating online platform like Whatsapp, telegram, radio, and television channels for the purpose of learning. 

Lots of students that have parents that can subscribe for them are currently participating.

The question is about the poor masses that are not privilege to have any of the platform which can serve as means of learning during this pandemic period. I can say categorically that the percentage of students participating in the digital class are less than those that are not participating. And out of those participating, most did not even understand it as they are not use to it. Also for those in lower basic, nursery and creche classes, the government need to find a way of engaging them as the digital class will look strange to them.

As there is ease of lockdown, after observing how things goes, there should be ease in resumption as well with classroom setting to social distancing, different days for each section of the school, washing of hands and other medical directives.

If things continue like this, only the rich will be educated.