Anambra orders closure of school for ‘flouting COVID protocol’

The Anambra state government has ordered the closure of Royal Ambassadors Foundation Schools (RAFS) for “flouting COVID-19 protocol”.

According to NAN, the state also withdrew the approval granted to the school for reopening.

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra, had postponed school resumption in the state till February 1, 2021, due to increased cases of coronavirus recorded in the state.

The directive, however, allowed proprietors and teachers to resume on January 18 for the purpose of putting in place non-pharmaceutical measures of preventing COVID-19 transmission, such as hand-washing facilities before the approved resumption date.

Christy Obiano, permanent secretary, ministry of basic education, in a statement on Thursday, said the closure of the school would serve as a deterrent to others.

She explained that the school was shut down not only for holding classes before February 1, but also for not enforcing wearing of face masks by the pupils and students.

“The Ministry of Basic Education wishes to announce the closure and withdrawal of approval of the Royal Ambassadors Schools at Onitsha for violating the government’s resumption directives,” the statement reads..

“Students and pupils of the schools were also seen without face masks on Monday, January 18, receiving lessons against government’s directives.

“The schools’ flagrant disobedience to government’s directives can endanger the lives of children, and it is not in the best interest of education in the state.

“Parents are, however, advised to withdraw their children from the schools, which remain closed.”