Lagos warns private schools against third term resumption — amid COVID-19 lockdown

The Lagos state government has warned private schools against resumption of academic activities for the third term.

In a statement on Thursday, Folasade Adefisayo, commissioner for education, said some private schools are charging parents for third term tuition for online classes.

She said all schools in the state will remain closed due to the lockdown directive of the federal government, while third term resumption had been postponed until further notice.

“The attention of the Lagos State Ministry of Education has been drawn to the plans by some private schools in the State to resume academic activities for the third term of the 2019/20 session by online teaching,” the commissioner said.

“As we are already aware, the State is presently on lockdown imposed by the Federal Government over the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry regards the ‘resumption’ by schools as a strategy for ensuring that students continue to learn while the school calendar continues as planned.

“Please, note that the third term resumption remains postponed until directives to the contrary. Most schools are charging for this online service; often at a discount on existing tuition fees while some schools are charging full fees.

“Parents are concerned about the cost to them of this programme, ranging from fees charged by schools to cost of data and devices as well as the cost of fuelling generators to ensure steady electricity power supply.

“Parents also have to supervise online teachings to guard against the exposure of children to pornography, in addition to online harassment and bullying.

“In view of the aforementioned, we ask that schools consult extensively with parents and find a win-win solution that will be acceptable to all stakeholders.”

The commissioner asked parents and pupils to take advantage of the free classes offered by the state government on various media, especially radio and television.