#EndSARS: Lagos updates public on closure of schools | EduCeleb
EduCeleb
25th October 2020
The Lagos State Government has announced that private and public schools would remain closed in the state.
This comes amidst the violence that greeted the #EndSARS protests across the state last week.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, announced this on Sunday.
He had earlier tweeted that only public schools remained closed in the state before giving an update that the extended closure includes private schools.
Omotoso also announced that curfew time had been reviewed in the state.
He said, “The curfew in Lagos State has been reviewed. Restriction time is now 8 pm to 6 am. Lagosians are enjoined to plan their journey times as they go about their lawful businesses.
“All schools remain shut till further notice.
When contacted on the telephone, the Head of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Kayode Abayomi, added, “Yes, all schools remain closed. That is the latest update from the governor.”
Earlier on Sunday, the National Association of Private Schools (NAPPS) in Lagos State informed its members that they can reopen from Monday, October 26, 2020.
This was contained in a statement by the President, NAPPS Lagos State, Amusa Olawale, titled reopening of schools after #EndSARS protests’.
The statement reads, “It is a pleasure to inform you that our Hon. Commissioner has given approval to the resumption of schools on Monday, October 26, 2020.
“Members are to abide by the curfew requirements and any other directives of Lagos State Governor relating curfew and #ENDSARS protests.
“We must equally study security situations in areas where we operate, be sensitive to any sign of disturbance, and adhere strictly to COVID-19 Protocols.
“To justify the kind gestures of the Commissioner, we must pay attention to the safety of our learners, staff, and parents of our schools.”
The Lagos State Government had ordered the closure of public and private schools in the state indefinitely last Monday.
Adefisayo said schools were shut down over “tension generated by the anti-SARS protests.”
The protests which were initially targeted at ending police brutality especially perpetrated by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) but had led to the halting of academic activities following road blockages and acts of violence threatening peace.
Schools had barely resumed fully since the COVID-19 lockdown was called off when this development occured.
Meanwhile, the governments of Ogun and Oyo states have announced the reopening of schools on Monday after the situation had been reviewed.