Commissioner opens up on why Lagos adopted phased school reopening

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, has offered insight into what prompted the phased resumption of schools by the Lagos State government.

According to her, the measure is to enable public schools fulfil the extant COVID-19 safety guidelines. She said Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3 and Senior Secondary (SSS) 2 students in public schools are to resume from Monday, September 21, 2020.

In a statement yesterday, the commissioner noted: “The resumption will permit the present JSS 3 students who are already in an exit class to revise and get adequately prepared for their forthcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) organised by the Lagos State Examination Board, and scheduled for between Tuesday, 6th and Monday, 12th of October, 2020.

“The resumption will also afford the present SS 2 students an opportunity to prepare effectively for their transition to SS 3. The scheduled dates and venues for entrance examination into Lagos State model colleges will soon be announced by the state examination board.

“We assure parents that announcements for opening of the other classes will occur as soon as we are certain of their safety.”

She added: “In the meantime, the unopened classes in public schools will continue their lessons on our various distance learning platforms (online, radio, television and WhatsApp), while the next phase for physical resumption will be announced in due course.”

Adefisayo clarified that pupils of both private public institutions were returning to classes on September 21. The spokesman in the ministry, Kayode Abayomi, also confirmed the development.

MEANWHILE, Lagos State University (LASU) has reeled out guidelines as academic activities commence today. The institution said the decision to commence normal work is in compliance with the directive of the visitor, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The information was contained in a statement made available to media yesterday.