FG Bans Assemblies, Overcrowding, Others As Schools Resume Monday

The Federal Government , on Thursday , banned overcrowding and large gatherings such as assemblies and visiting days , as schools reopen on Monday .
It also put limitations to class sizes and hostel occupancy and asked the schools to ensure compulsory wearing of face masks by all students , teachers and workers , as well ensure temperature checks and put hand washing facilities in strategic locations in all schools
The government also asked the school authorities to ensure constant supply of water and sanitisers , and make available functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities .
The Minister of Education , Mallam Adamu Adamu , gave the conditions in a statement by the Director of Press in the Federal Ministry of Education , Ben Bem Goong .
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According to him , the decision to maintain the resumption date is the aftermath of “ extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders , including state governors, commissioners of education, proprietors and heads of institutions , staff unions and students .”
Adamu told parents and the respective institutions to ensure full compliance with COVID -19 protocols .
The statement read in part , “ Sequel to the hint given during the press briefing on January 12 , 2021 for the review of the proposed resumption date of January 18 , 2021 , the Federal Ministry of Education has undertaken a comprehensive appraisal of the situation .
“ After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including state governors, commissioners of education, proprietors and heads of institutions , staff unions and students , the consensus of opinion is that the resumption date of January 18 should remain , while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID -19 protocols .
“ These measures , which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities , will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers , school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance . ”
When asked how the government intends to curtail further spread of the virus with the planned resumption , Adamu school authorities would be asked to ensure strict compliance with existing and fresh guidelines that would be released .
He added, “ We shall be warning stakeholders , particularly school authorities to ensure strict compliance with protocols.
“ For instance , we will have no choice than to enforce compulsory use of face masks by teachers and students .
“ We will also make it clear that we shall be reviewing the situation from time to time after resumption with a view to taking necessary decisions . ”