Nigeria: Schools in Kaduna to remain close on 16, says Kaduna MoE

“The state’s ministry of health has further confirmed that, while the infections cut across age groups, this new wave, especially, affects those between 10 and 35 years (which form a majority of the populace in the education sector). Thus, in it’s efforts 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 16th December, 2020 as opposed to the initial closings.

With an upsurge in COVID-19 cases in the Kaduna State in Nigeria, the Education Ministry has directed all schools to remain close on December 16, Wednesday, the ministry tweeted.

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— Ministry of Education Kaduna (@Kaduna_MoE) December 14, 2020

Adding to it, Alhaji Shehu Usman Muhammad, the Commissioner of Education, reportedly said, "the ministry wishes to inform the general public, parents, guardians and students of the date of school's closure due to rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state which shows a replicate of figures recorded in the first wave of the pandemic in April, May and June 2020. Indicating that a new wave of the infection is rapidly spreading across the state."

He stated, "the state's ministry of health has further confirmed that, while the infections cut across age groups, this new wave, especially, affects those between 10 and 35 years (which form a majority of the populace in the education sector). Thus, in it's efforts 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 16th December, 2020 as opposed to the initial closings.

The orders are to conclude all examinations before 16 December, quoting;

"therefore, all examinations must be concluded on or before, Tuesday, 15th December, 2020 in all institutions of learning across the State. Physical classes in the universities and other institutions of higher learning will not be held during the period of closure. Institutions can make other arrangements for teaching and learning and other activities in line with their conformity and contingency plans. In order to minimize the impact on learning and teaching, all schools will continue to plan lessons or where possible, provide online resources for students or online lessons where schools are equipped to do so. However, learners in the basic, post basic and secondary schools levels can continue learning while at home from the Kaduna State TV and Radio e-learning programmes."

Alhaji added, "while the state government continues exerting efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic, the general public is urged to continuously comply with all COVID-19 protocols to avoid the likelihood of the worst case scenarios of the disease in the state".

The statement urged all residents to take precautions, quoting:"all residents of the State are, therefore, encouraged to adapt the spirit of the FORWARD campaign which encourages everyone to adhere to the guidelines provided by authorities in the healthcare sector which includes:Wearing face masks aways,observing physical distancing, respiratory hygiene, washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitizers, avoiding large gatherings; remaining indoors when there is no need to be outdoors and dieting, eating balanced meals to boost immunity."

However, with no information on the resumption date, the statement said it "will be announced later".