All schools at every level remain closed, according to the Federal Government warning against resumption of school. Vice Chancellors of Universities have been instructed by the National University Commissioners, NUC not to reopen universities for any form of activities.
In a circular on Friday, 8 May, 2020, sent to heads of commissions and other regulatory bodies in the education sector, the government have emphasized that all schools at every level were still closed and advised that fake news on social media stating that it had directed resumption of schools be ignored.
Furthermore, in a letter by the Ministry of Education, through the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono, Titled: Re: Management of Coronavirus Pandemic,” stated: “All schools shall remain closed as we closely monitor developments on the containment of COVID-19.” The circular was also sent to the executive secretaries, National Universities Commission, NUC; National Board for Technical Education, NBTE; National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, and the Director, Basic and Secondary Education, BSE.
The content of the letter is as follows: “Further to our earlier circular, FME/PSE/HE/1041/C 1/Vol.1/137 of 19th March, 2020, this is to confirm that all schools shall remain closed as we monitor developments on the containment of COVID-19. “This is without prejudice to officers on essential services and other operational exigencies as may be determined by the chief executive of each institution. “All chief executives and other stakeholders are to ignore ‘fake news’ on the subject matter in the social media as the situation is under constant review and any decision on the resumption shall be conveyed through the appropriate channels.”
With regards to the directives by the Ministry, the National Universities Commission has written to vice chancellors charging them to adhere strictly to the sustenance of ongoing closure of universities until further notice.
For further emphasis, Chris Maiyaki, the Director, Directorate of Executive Secretary’s Office in a letter signed by him, reiterated the need to adhere strictly to the ministry’s instructions and ensure that all universities remain closed.