Ebola lectures herald reopening of Lagos schools

After 10 long weeks of absence from school, pupils in Lagos state finally resumed a new session on Wednesday, with intense education about the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) that has kept them away from school for two extra weeks.

TheCable visited some schools, which were all dedicated to orientating students and staff on the deadly viral disease.

The Ebola awareness programme began at the gate of Ojota senior high school, as the gate was decorated with information bills educating everyone on the disease.

The pupils were gathered at an assembly session where the awareness was amplified. The school’s principal, who spoke immediately after the regular morning prayers, was quick to welcome the students to a new session while appreciating the efforts of the ever-loving father of the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola, for his proactive intervention.

“We commend the government; we commend our ever-loving father, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for his proactiveness. Today, Nigeria is Ebola-free,” she said.

“Ebola is out of Nigeria, but we cannot say it is over yet. Countries around us are still battling it. World powers, America and Spain, are still battling with Ebola.

“On our own part, we need to observe simple rules of hygiene. Lagos state government has provided so much for this: hand-washing liquids, potable water and so on.”

She also went on to emphasise the need for students who are sick not to come to school.

“If you are sick, please don’t come to school. We cannot take care of you; go to the hospital. We are trained teachers, not trained doctors,” she added.

The principal invited a quality assurance person officer to enlighten the pupils on what needs to be done as regards the disease.

At Apostolic church grammar school, the school had put in place all the necessary materials prior to resumption. The vice principal described the actions of the school as “preparation meets readiness”.

“We had prepared everything long before now, as it is our culture in this school. We have prepared our lesson notes; we have prepared the school, and hand sanitisers have been installed in every floor of every block,” she said.

“We have educated the students about it, and they are responding well. We start work the day we resume; no fear, no panic.”

Gideon Etim, a JSS 2 pupil of the school who was using the sanitiser said: “The break was a little bit long, but it’s good to finally be back at school without fear. I am ready to learn since the school is set for us.”

The case was slightly different at Ajegunle junior high school, as many students failed to turn up for resumption, leaving the assembly session to just a few of them.

The principal of the school promised to take attendance in every class and urged those in school to inform their friends about the resumption and the planned commencement of learning.

“After school, tell your mates we have resumed. Let them get off the Sallah mood, as work would start in earnest,” she said.

She went on with Ebola education, calling some students to tell the school what they know about the outbreak and the virus itself.

Pupils came out to share what they know about Ebola and its attendant symptoms, and the principal warned them not to come turn up in school when sick.

“When you are sick, don’t bother to come to school; tell your parents to take you to the hospital. If you notice any of your classmates is sick, report to your class teacher.

“Nobody should hide sickness again. We would teach you how to properly wash your hands.”

She then led all the students to the place were hand-washing materials were placed, for a hand-washing lesson.

At Kosofe high school, Mr Victor Oteteh, the Ebola-watch personnel, explained the basics of Ebola to the students, but complained that one of the taps provided by the government was not functioning.

He pleaded that the government should send agents to schools to correct such anomalies “here and elsewhere”.

Ebola hotlines were displayed in all the schools for the pupils to call to report any suspected case.