Following the announcement by the Federal government of plans to reopen schools for primary 6 pupils, J.S.S 3 and S.S 3 students, the President, Vision Africa International, Bishop, Dr. Sunday Onuoha, has warned of the dangers this action may pose to the fight against further spread of the Coronavirus.
It would be recalled that the Federal Government of Nigeria had on June, 29 2020, hinted of plans to reopen schools only for students in graduating classes (primary 6, JS3 and SS3), to enable them prepare for their passing out examinations, while the rest of the students remain at home in the meantime.
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But speaking on Friday in a statement issued to newsmen, the vocal Methodist Bishop, said since Coronavirus is still spreading rapidly, there was need to jettison all plans to reopen schools now as students and their families may likely be exposed to the highly contagious Virus.
Bishop, Dr. Onuoha, expressed fear of another wave of transmission if the Federal Government insists on reopening of schools, contending that not all schools can meet the conditions listed by FG before reopening.
He also warned that apart from compromising the safety of children if classes resume, there is a high risk of community infection as schools in rural areas may not meet up with approved guidelines given by the government, hence the possibility of students spreading the Virus among family members when they return from classes.
The Executive Director, Nigeria Interfaith Action Association (NIFAA), advised government at all levels to come up with ways of keeping the brains of students sharp while also devising means of conducting the exams without gathering vulnerable kids together this period that the number of infections is on the increase.
The Global Peace Award Winner, 2013 and Co-Chair Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), who recalled that the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha had within the week said there may be need to adjust and re-plan if there was any forseen danger, said there was need to shelve the plan of opening schools in the face of rising cases of COVID-19 patients all over the federation.
Bishop, Dr. Onuoha, harped on the need for individuals to continue to obey all the federal government laid down protocols as insights are being unraveled globally about possible ways of treating the Virus.
