Schools not yet safe for reopening, says FG

The federal government on Wednesday said it is not confident yet schools are safe to reopen.

Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, speaking to reporters after the eighth virtual federal executive council meeting, on Wednesday, said academic institutions will remain closed till adequate safety is assured.

He added that stakeholders are holding meetings to ensure the right decision is made, adding that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is also considering a change of date for 2020 WASSCE.

Nwajiuba said: “We are still meeting with parents over that, we are not confident yet that everywhere is safe, the number of COVID-19 infections from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are still very alarming and we have presented this to parents and all stakeholders in the education ecosystem.

“We are still meeting with them; in fact, there is a stakeholder meeting slated for Monday next week.

“WAEC on its own part is also negotiating with other West African countries to look at possible shift in date and once they are through with that meeting and hopefully when we are also through with the consultations, if there is any change in the ministry’s position, we will communicate.”