Abia Govt. approves reopening of schools on Jan. 11

By Our Editor

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, has approved the reopening of all schools in the state on Monday, Jan. 11, for the continuation of the first term of 2020/2021 academic session.

This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Kanaelechi Nwangwa, in Abia on Friday.

Nwangwa directed all school heads and proprietors to ensure the observance of COVID-19 protocols for the safety of teachers and students.

He said that this was imperative following the the second wave of the COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“They should also note that by this directive, the first term of 2020/2021 will now officially end on Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021.

“This is to ensure that the first term runs a full course as expected.

“Any school proprietor that shortchanges this schedule and decides to cut corners by running an abridged term will be appropriately sanctioned.

“The duration of the first term for the 2020/2021 academic session is from Nov. 2, 2020 to Feb. 10, 2021 with the Christmas break in-between,” he said.

Nwangwa urged school heads and proprietors to be properly guided by the directive to avoid unwanted consequences. 

Meanwhile the Plateau government has directed tertiary institutions to resume on January 18, as against the January 4 date earlier announced.
Kakmena Audu, the Plateau Commissioner for Higher Education, gave the directive in a statement on Thursday in Jos.

He said the decision to shift the resumption date was in line with the directive of the Federal Government and the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.

The commissioner directed all heads of tertiary institutions in the state to comply strictly to the directive and also ensure that they adhere strictly to the safety protocols against COVID-19.

In the same vein, John Istifanus, the Director of Schools in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, has directed all secondary schools in the state to resume as directed.

He directed all Zonal and Area directors of schools to ensure strict compliance to the new date.

Mr Istifanus also urged principals and proprietors of schools to adhere strictly to the safety protocols put in place to avert the spread of COVID 19 in the state.

The director urged parents and guardians to bear with government, adding that the decision was in best interest of all.