The Federal Government has asked schools to reopen by the 4th of August 2020, but only students in their transition classes are to resume in order for them to participate in promotional examinations.

The Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations,  Ben Bem Goong, who disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘Exit classes to reopen August 4,’ said the decision to recall the pupils was taken during a virtual meeting involving the ministry and commissioners of education in the 36 states of the federation.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had, at its press conference on June 29, said only the SSS3 pupils in preparation for WASSCE would resume.

“It was agreed that the exit classes should resume immediately after the Sallah break, from August 4, 2020 to enable them to prepare for the WASSCE scheduled to commence from August 17, 2020.

“The meeting also resolved that a passionate appeal be made to the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and public spirited Nigerians for assistance to schools across the country to enable them to fast-track the preparations safe reopening, as agreed.”

School authorities want FG to provide PPEs

Meanwhile the association of Nigerian schools and colleges principals ANCOPPS has appealed to the federal government to provide Personal Protective Equipment for both teachers and pupils.

The National President, ANCOPSS,  Anslem Izuagie, said although reopening the schools was a welcome development,  there was nothing on the ground as regards the PPE.

“We appeal to the government to provide all the PPE.  We are in support of the resumption for the certificate classes to write their exams. For now, there is no PPE. I want to believe government will play their part. I believe before the 17th of August, they must have provided everything because they can’t tell us to go and write exam without providing the PPE,” he said.