Following the plan of the Makinde-led administration to reopen schools despite the rise in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, the Oyo Ministry of Education has put out five conditions for the resumption of schools in the state.
These conditions were made known through a circular dated 24th of June, 2020 with reference number: EDU215T3VOL.IA/137, and signed by the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Barrister Olasunkanmi Aremu Olaleye.
As contained in the circular, academic activities will commence for students in terminal classes (Primary 6, JSS3 and SS3) on Monday, 6th July, while public primary and secondary school teachers are to resume work on 29th of June, 2020, prior to students’ resumption.
According to the circular:
“Food vendors are not allowed in schools; consequently, all pupils/students should be encouraged to bring their food from home.
“Parents should provide their wards with face masks as a condition to allow their wards in schools.
“The school management/principals in conjunction with PTA and SGB should provide hand washing materials (buckets with tap, soap and sanitizers) for use in the school.
“Strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols discussed during training on preparation for resumption.
“It becomes a serious offence for any private school without Certificate of Attendance at the training on COVID-19 protocols to re-open after the lockdown.”
It should be recalled that the Federal Government, including chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have criticized the plans by the Oyo state government to reopen schools amid the rise in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state and the country at large.