As Lagos schools reopen, classroom population limited to 20 | EduCeleb
EduCeleb
3rd August 2020
The Lagos State government has mandated that schools ensure student population per classroom does not exceed 20.
This is as schools resume on Monday for the first time in four months after their closure to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo said the limit is part of measures by the state government to ensure compliance of public and private schools to COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines for schools reopening.
She said this while paying a random visit to some schools across the State.
The Commissioner admonished teachers to take care of themselves and also to take up the role of enforcement and compliance to the Covid-19 protocols by students.
She hinted that the bulk of these efforts lies in their hands as they are the custodians of the students while at school.
She however called on parents and guardians to monitor the children closely as their roles are germane and complimentary at this period.
She added that all hands must be on deck to curb the spread and flatten the curve, stressing that the government will leave no stone unturned.
Addressing Pressmen during an inspection tour of some public and private Schools at Education District IV around Yaba, Surulere and Apapa axis, Mrs Adefisayo expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of the schools, adding that the State Government is very concerned about the safety of students and their teachers. She stressed that their wellbeing is of utmost importance to the State Government.
She said asides her visitation to schools, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Tutor Generals/Permanent Secretaries of the Six Education Districts, Office of Education Quality Assurance and other top officials of the Ministry were also on field across the State to ensure that maximum compliance and coordination is achieved.
The Commissioner noted that the inspection tour will continue till all Schools are covered and stated that any school accommodating other students apart from SS3 and TEC3 contrary to the state government’s directive at this period will face disciplinary action. She emphasized that the resumption became necessary for the students to write their WASSCE Examinations and encouraged them to put in their best in the forthcoming exams taking place in two weeks’ time in a bid to come out successful. She also urged them to shun all vices, work hard and stay focused in their studies.
In her words, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs Abosede Adelaja added that the Lagos State Government has provided free face masks and sanitizers for all students.
She noted that aside from fumigating the schools and ensuring a clean and conducive environment for learning, the State Government has also provided facilities such as wash hand basins and portable water.
She therefore enthused that all policies made by government in ensuring that the Covid-19 protocols are strictly adhered to while noting that visitors and food vendors coming into the school premises during this period are not allowed.
Recall that the Lagos State Government had directed the SS3 and Technical Studies Three (TEC3) Students to resume schooling on the 3rd August, 2020 in preparation for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) scheduled to commence on the 17th August, 2020.