We’ll consider reopening of schools after February 1, says Obaseki

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, says the state would consider reopening of schools after February 1, 2021.

The federal government had announced on Thursday, that schools could resume on January 18, but must ensure strict compliance with the protocols for reducing the spread of the coronavirus.

But at a media conference in Benin, the Edo capital, on Friday, Obaseki said schools in the state would remain closed for now, while the situation would be reviewed on February 1.

According to the governor, the state would ensure that all requirements to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines for reopening of schools are in place.

“We have decided that schools will not reopen for now; this situation will be reviewed by February 1,” NAN quoted him to have said.

“We will like our own schools to reopen on February 1, depending on the situation at that point in time. Between now and that time, we will be going round to make sure that these schools have running water.

“We want to ensure spacing for the children are in place, and we want to ensure that they have temperature checks at the entrance of each school.

“Each classroom should not hold more than 30 percent of the students; all of that is being  worked out by the ministry of education and the Edo state Universal Basic Education Board (EDOSUBEB).

“Within the next two weeks, we should be able to finalise plans to allow children go back to school. In the meantime, we will reactivate EdoBest at home. You will recall that during the first wave, we were able to create over 9,000 virtual classrooms for these children to learn.”