Basic And Secondary Education Resumes 21ST SEPTEMBER Amidst Strict Compliance To COVID-19 Rules In Taraba State
By Yukniwoh CJ
The Taraba state government has ordered the reopening of primary and secondary schools on Monday, 21st September 2020. This was made known in a press briefing by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Hon. Johaness Jigem earlier today at the state secretariat complex.
It was in line with an earlier directive given by the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to liaise with key stakeholders in the education sector to come up with workable safe strategies on how to reopen the schools.
The commissioner, while briefing the press said, as the schools are set to resume, all students, staff and Principals must adhere strictly to the COVID-19 rules provided by the Federal Government for the safety of the children and smooth running of the schools.
The Hon. Commissioner urged Principals to ensure that what the students missed during their first terms should be covered, as the term was overridden by the lockdown. Speaking on the guidelines of the COVID-19 for reopening of schools, he highlighted that emphasis should be placed on wearing of facemask by staff and students so also hand sanitizers must also be made available likewise water and soap be provided within school premises. He noted that thermometers should be provided for regular temperature checks in the schools.
In addition, the Commissioner said, all schools will be resuming for FIRST TERM, linking it to the fact that the third term was affected by the COVID-19. He went further by saying that no principal should collect school fees for the third term from the students, and as schools resume, there shall be a team of inspectors led by professionals that will be moving around the three senatorial zones to monitor the reopening process.
The Hon. Commissioner also noted that students in the penultimate class will commence mock exams first week of November, as NABTEB exams kick off next week. “Taraba State has been in the light of excellence in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and JAMB since the coming of the administration of Gov. Darius Ishaku”, he said. He sustained that the pace will be maintained. He called on parents to equally prepare their children towards the MOCK exams that will qualify them for WAEC, NABTEB and NECO. On whether the government will provide safety materials for the reopening of schools, the Hon. Commissioner said the government alone can not do it. He thereby called on philanthropists, corporate organization, the PTA, peace-loving people of Taraba State, home and abroad to join hands with His Excellency, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku and support the educational sector with safety materials for the smooth reopening of schools. On a final note, he said, the reopening is for Basic and Secondary education.