FG, N’West states meet, adopt template for schools reopening

The Federal Ministry of Education and seven northwest states have met in Kano to deliberate and adopt the already developed federal government’s template for the safe reopening of schools and learning facilities.

The meeting, which was at the instance of the Girls Education Project (GEP), an 8-year project managed by UNICEF and funded by the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), had in attendance the states’ commissioners of education, health and other relevant stakeholders.

Speaking at the opening session in Kano, the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, said the federal government, through the ministry developed the safe school readiness template for an integrated approach to safe school reopening which comes with many lessons.

He said the template, which requires full engagement of all stakeholders for successful implementation, has some key roles and shared responsibilities at the national, state, LGA and school levels.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, represented by his deputy, Nasir Gawuna, said the administration has already put in place mechanisms for reopening of schools which include disinfection of premises and provision of PPEs for both teachers and students.

He said principals and other relevant stakeholders were being engaged and sensitised on what should be done to ensure safety as plans are on for the reopening, adding, “We shall do all things necessary and abide by all protocols as we reopen when it becomes feasible.”