COVID-19: Disregard ‘Fake News,’ Nigerian Schools Remain Closed

The Federal Ministry of Education has confirmed that schools nationwide will remain closed until further notice.

This confirmation, which was made via a circular dated 8th of May, 2020 and released by the office of the permanent secretary of the ministry with Ref. No. FME/PSE/HE/1041/C.1/Vol.I/138, disclosed that all stakeholders and executives should disregard any fake news, on the subject matter, circulating in the social media as the situation is under constant assessment and any decision on resumption shall be communicated via appropriate tunnels.

The circular reads: “Further to our earlier circular with Ref. No. FME/PSE/HE/1041/C.1/Vol.I/137 of 19th March 2020, this is to confirm that schools shall remain closed as we closely monitor development on the containment of COVID-19.

“All chief executives and 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 resumption shall be conveyed through the appropriate channels.

On the other hand, the circular equally affirmed that it was without prejudice to officers on essential service and other operational exigencies as may be determined by the chief executive of each organisation.

“This is without prejudice to officers on essential service other operational exigencies as may be determined by the chief executive of each organisation,” the circular added.