Federal Government Bows To Pressure, Restricts Schools Resumption To Exit Classes Effective August 4

The Federal Government has bowed to pressure and restricted resumption of schools to Secondary School exit classes only with effect from August 4, 2020.

It particularly indicated that the scheduled reopening of schools is meant to enable the facilitation of two weeks’ preparatory studies for students sitting for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations.

The Director of Press and Public Relation, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Goong, disclosed the resumption of schools in a statement in Abuja, Monday.

The decision for the schools reopening is on the heels of intense pressure on Federal Government by schools stakeholders who were against exclusion of Nigerian students from the forthcoming WAEC examination.

Goong explained that students would have two weeks within which to prepare for the West African Examinations (WAEC) which would commence from August 17.

He said these were the unanimous decisions reached at a virtual consultative meeting between the Federal Ministry of Education, Honourable Commissioners of Education of the 36 states, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, (NUT), the proprietors of private schools, and chief executives of examination bodies.

He noted that it was agreed that the exit classes should resume immediately after the Sallah break, from August 4 to enable them prepare for the WAEC examinations scheduled to commence from August 17, 2020.

He said that the meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and public spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them fast track the preparations for safe reopening as agreed.

“Another meeting is to be convened on Tuesday between the Federal Ministry of Education and chief executives of examination bodies namely, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS to harmonise their examination dates.

“This date will be conveyed to stakeholders expeditiously by the Federal Ministry of Education.
-NAN with additions from Optimum Times