Governors to shutdown schools in North West, North Central over fear of coronavirus

Governors in the North West and North Central region of Nigeria have shut down the schools and other learning centres.

The two region’s governors concluded to close down schools in the region for 30 days over the fear of pandemic coronavirus (Covid-19) in Nigeria.

The governors under the area of North West Zone Governors Forum and their counterparts in the North Central made the decision after meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday.

Chairman of the forum and Katsina State governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, said closing of the schools will take effect from Monday, March 23, 2020.

During the meeting which was closed-door with security chiefs at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, Governor Masari said the decision to close down the schools must take effect in order to prevent the spread of the deadliest virus across the northwest.

He said the governors will meet with examination boards to discuss the closing of schools.

They also advised the public to avoid unnecessary gatherings, urging them to maintain good respiratory hygiene.

At the meeting are governors of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States, while Kano deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna represented Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Kwara State whose governor was absent at the meeting is also expected to implement the closure.

Reps ban large gathering at religious places

In a recent development, the fear of coronavirus has forced the reps members to ban large gathering of people in worship places.

The lawmakers said the measure was based on reports from Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Vatican that have banned open worship.

They said Nigeria should act and suspend such large gatherings. They also banned all visitors from the National Assembly till further notice.

With this development, constituents will either write their representatives and wait for reply or see members in the constituency offices.

Moving the motion of quick public importance, Rep. Zakari Isa Chawai said even though government has put some measures in place to ensure flight restrictions into the country, it is required to restrict public gatherings.