BREAKING: FG sets new date for reopening of schools, WAEC

The Federal Government has settled with the appropriate countries on a new date for the canceled 2020 West African Examinations Council, WAEC for Nigerian students.

Onyxnews Nigeria had reported last week that the Minister of Education Adamu Adamu revealed that school would remain closed, adding that it’s better to lose a session than to risk students lives for coronavirus (COVID-19).

However, the government has given school owners in the country up to July 29, 2020, to meet specific guidelines towards the reopening of schools at a date to be announced in due course.

While giving update on COVID-19, minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, revealed this on Friday, in Abuja.

He stated that the ministry, having consulted widely, has in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC), the Education in Emergencies Working Group, developed and circulated guidelines for the reopening of schools.

The minister, according to a statement, released earlier today, by the Ministry’s Director of Information, Bem Goong, “school owners are to prepare and comply with the guidelines.

“Nwajuiba said schools are to undertake self-assessment and send feedback to state ministries of education, not later than 29 July 2020.”

He said consultations with relevant stakeholders will be held to review the situation and decide on a specific date for reopening or otherwise.

Having taken the painful but necessary decision not to reopen schools without necessary preparations to ensure the safety of students and teachers, the Federal Ministry of Education has continued consultations with stakeholders, and a mechanism to assess and monitor compliance shall be put in place.

He said, “Since Tuesday last week, we have consulted widely with stakeholders in the sector, including Commissioners of Education in all the states of the federation, the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria, (APSON), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, (NAPPS), Provosts of Colleges of Education, Rectors of Polytechnics, Vice-Chancellors of universities, some state governors, and development partners.”

Speaking on the part of 2020 WASSCE, Nwajuiba said, “We met with WAEC on Monday and have agreed to further consult with four other countries on new examination date,” he said.

“We appreciate the concern shown by all stakeholders and note the divergent views expressed on the matter.

“Parents should be rest assured that the safety of our students and teachers is paramount as we work assiduously towards the speedy reopening of our school for the exist classes to take external examination,” Nwajuiba added.