Sokoto State Governor Approves Reopening of Schools, Directs Resumption in Batches

The governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has on Monday, 5th October, 2020 approved reopening of schools in the state. 

This was contained in the press release published by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Muhammad Bello on same Monday, October 5, 2020.

The press release reads:

“Following a meeting with relevant stakeholders in Sokoto State and further intensive deliberations, the state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has directed on Monday that the 2020/2021 academic session for Basic and Secondary Schools should begin Oct. 11.

“This is to be followed by the resumption of Primary 6 pupils and students on the last lap of Junior Secondary School (JSS III) two weeks later, while higher education students inthe  final year, those returning and new students are to resume, as proposed by the Honorable Commissioner for Higher Education; and, approved by the governor on Oct. 12th, 19th and 26th respectively.

“These were contained in a document made available to journalists by the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Muhammad Bello Abubakar Guiwa.

“According to the state government, it took cognizance of the COVID-19 ‘protocols and guidelines’ as well as the best option to be adopted by the state regarding schools reopening.

“Consequently, the document stated that “first and sterm continuous assessment are to be used in promoting students to the next class for this session (2019/2020) just as the BECE should be conducted for the returning JSS III students as a precondition for their transition to Senior Secondary (SS I). Equally, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will conduct placement exercise into Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) I and Primary One.

“The state government, however,  cautioned all schools in the state to compulsorily adhere strictly to COVID-19 guidelines and protocols which include the  provision of sanitizers, hand washing machines, thermometers and isolation rooms among others.

“It also directed that schools with overcrowded students are to adopt a  shift system with a view to minimizing physical contact.

“Meanwhile, the state government has directed that all private institutions operating in the state must strictly adhere to the state academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.”