Makinde Approves Reopening of tertiary institutions In Oyo

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, approved the reopening of State and privately-owned tertiary institutions in the State. 

In a bid to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in March, the Federal Government shut down all schools in the country. 

However, in September, the Federal Government approved the full reopening of schools in the country with a strong recommendation “that states conduct a risk assessment to ensure all schools are at a level of compliance and create a monitoring mechanism to assess, create, and monitor this level of preparedness.”

The decision of the governor to approve the reopening of tertiary institutions in Oyo State was conveyed in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Education, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye. 

He, however, stated that: “Academic Boards and Senate of institutions are expected to fix their date and comply strictly with COVID-19 guidelines for the reopenings of schools.” 

In the same vein, the Governor also approved Monday, 21st September 2020 as the resumption date for public and private primary and secondary schools in the state. 

However, the government released a revised guideline that must be strictly adhered to by primary and secondary schools. 

According to the guideline, primary and secondary schools will now operate morning and afternoon shifting for students. This shift entails that primary 1-3 will hold classes between   8.00 am – 11.00 am and primary 4-6 will be in class between 12 noon – 3.00 pm. 

For Secondary schools, JSS 1-3 and SSS 1-3 will hold classes between  8.00 am – 11.00 and 12 noon – 3.00 pm, respectively. 

“It becomes mandatory for all schools, public and private to constitute COVID-19 taskforces to be headed by Heads of Schools with two members of staff.

“School Heads are advised to make temporary use of spaces like laboratories, libraries and examination halls as classrooms where necessary in order to observe social distancing.

“Pupils/students should be attached to chairs and tables as well as discouraging sharing of items,” the statement added.