As private and public primary and secondary schools re-opened on Monday after almost six months of closure over COVID-19 pandemic, many of them observe COVID-19 protocols.
This is just as the students, and teachers were excited to be back in school. Even the parents and guardians equally were excited to have their children and wards back in school.
Many of the schools visited by our correspondent provided hand washing bowls, water, soap and sanitizers for their pupils. The teachers ensured that the pupils took turns to wash their hands and they applied sanitizers on their hands before they were allowed into their classes.
Some of the students were, however, not putting on face masks, while some others wore theirs.
However, the students and teachers were excited to be back in school.
A primary Four pupil of the Odeda Local Government Primary School, Obantoko, Abeokuta, Olaseni olufikayomi, said she was excited to be back in school.
She said, “I am happy and excited to be back in school after almost six months closure over the COVID-19 pandemic. Though I studied at home, I am happy to be back to the classroom with my friends and teacher.”
A teacher, Mrs Olukulehin Iretioluwa, also expressed excitement on the school’s resumption, stating that “we are observing all the safety protocols against the coronavirus.”
In the same vein, a parent, Mr Ismaila Isiaka, thanked the state government for finally re-opening the schools.
He, however, said the three hours per shift for the arms of different arms of classes were insufficient, as called on the government to increase the hours. Below are the shifts for different levels of classes:
Primary 1 to primary 3 8.00am to 11.00am
• Primary 4 to Primary 6 12.00noon to 3.00pm
• JSS 1 to JSS3 8.00am to 11.00am
• SS1 to SS3 12.00noon to 3.00pm
• Technical and Vocational will operate their normal school hours of 8.00am to 2.00pm
Early Child Care Development and Education classes i.e 3-5 years of age will not be resuming in public schools until the next phase of schools’ reopening.
