Students Urge Government to Provide Palliatives to Private Schools as Schools Are Set to Reopen in Lagos

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Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

Muslim students in Lagos State have appealed to government to provide palliatives for private schools to avert job losses occasioned by adverse effect of COVID-19 on private schools.

The call comes after Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Saturday directed tertiary institutions to open from September 14 while primary and secondary schools might be reopened on September 21.

This was disclosed by Miftahudeen Thanni, President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter (MSSNLagos), in a communique on Sunday, Punch reports.

He urged government to provide palliatives for private schools in Lagos state.

Thanni said, “We also appeal to government across all levels to assist private schools with palliatives. This will help to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on the schools and their teachers. This has been done in other sectors and education should not be left out.

“We are scared that there may be a massive job loss in many private schools with COVID-19 not likely to go away any time soon,” the statement added.

He went on to call on the state to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols in schools.

He said, “We are joyous with this development. However, we appeal that basic amenities should be provided. Considering that markets and other open places have been opened, there would be no convincing reason to shut schools down.

“But we must ensure that schools are well-prepared to accommodate these pupils and ensure that this does not lead to community transmission.

“We urge the government to provide the required facilities and ensure thorough compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

“While we call for the cooperation of parents, teachers, lecturers, and students in ensuring that the government does not regret reopening schools.”

This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.

The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.

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