Schools Partially Reopened,Inter-States Travels Ban Lifted, As FGN Begins New Eased Lockdown

         

After much worries and cries about the re-opening of schools from different stakeholders in the educational sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria - FGN - has finally granted permission for partial reopening of schools across the country to resume for academic activities.

According to the PUNCH, the FGN has approved what it called “safe reopening” of schools nationwide in the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown ordered to checkmate further spread of COVID-19.

At this stage, only students that are about to graduate will resume school in order to prepare for their final examinations.

This was disclosed during the media briefing by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, in Abuja on Monday, June 29, 2020 while also announcing  the beginning of the phase II of the eased lockdown  extension for another four weeks.

We can recall, that schools in all states in the country have been closed for over three months now in a move to curb the spread of the corona virus. Ever since then, the Federal Government has continued to disown rumored set dates for the re-opening of schools nationwide after different fake news emerged concerning when schools would actually re-open.

The federal Government while announcing the re-opening of schools, also announced the lifting of ban on Inter-state travel, resumption of flights among others.

 Boss Mustapha further stated:“I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase II of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020."

"Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:

" Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;

"Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;

" Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations;

"Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable," he stated.

However, FGN maintained that the curfew is still in full effect between 10pm to 4am and that no travel should take place during this period.

This latest move by the Federal Government will actually go down well with student, teachers and parents who have been clamouring for the re-opening of schools and save the school calendar.

  

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