COVID-19: Kaduna directs all schools to close on Dec 16

The Kaduna government has directed primary and secondary schools, as well as universities, to close on December 16, 2020.

Shehu Muhammad, Kaduna commissioner for education, in a statement, said the decision is part of efforts to address the rising cases of coronavirus infections in the state.

The state government had ordered the shutdown of schools in March, following the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country.

However, the state had directed the partial reopening of schools in August for junior and senior secondary school three students to write their examinations, after which other classes resumed.

According to Muhammad, the recent case count in the state is similar to that of the first wave of the pandemic between April and June 2020, thereby indicating a new wave of infections.

“In its effort to contain the spread of the pandemic and save the lives of people in the state, the Kaduna state government is directing all public and private schools to conclude all necessary arrangements and close on Wednesday December 16, 2020 as opposed to the initial closings,” the statement, which was issued on Monday, reads.

“Therefore, all examinations must be concluded on or before Tuesday December 15, 2020 in all institutions of learning across the state.”

The state government also said physical classes are prohibited in universities and other institutions of higher learning during the period of closure, but said other arrangements for teaching and learning that are in line with safety protocols are allowed.

“In order to minimise the impact of teaching and learning, all schools will continue to plan lessons, and where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so,” he said.

Students in basic, post-basic and secondary school levels were asked to continue learning from home via the Kaduna state television and radio e-learning programmes.

The statement further encouraged all residents of the state to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, including dieting and eating balanced meals to boost immunity.

The commissioner added that a new resumption date will be announced later.