COVID-19: Nigerian Government Lifts Ban On Interstate Travel, Approves Reopening Of Schools

The Nigerian Government has lifted the ban on interstate travel and also approved the reopening of schools for graduating classes.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha disclosed this at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, on Monday, June 29, 2020.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval for reopening of schools to allow students in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations.

This means students in primary six, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 will only be allowed to return to school.

“​I am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, ” he said.

“The Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.

​”Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect: Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;

“Permission of movement across State borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;

“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;

“Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations.”

A statement on Monday by the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, reads:

“Students in only graduating classes – Primary 6, JSS 3 and SS3, will be allowed to resume in preparation for examinations.

“All daycares and primary schools remain closed till evaluation. Schools are encouraged to continue with the electronic learning and visual teaching, but the pupils may proceed to take the National Common Entrance as soon as it is feasible, provided that they are compliant with issued non-pharmaceutical interventions.

“For secondary and tertiary institutions, all schools are to remain closed till further evaluation. Arrangements are to be made for exiting graduating students in JSS 3 and SS 3, to resume at both boarding and day schools as soon as possible for intensive revision exercise exercises.”

“All educational establishments are to conduct exhaustive reviews to ensure compliance with the issued guidelines on COVID-19 before the opening up for this purpose. They will open up only for the purpose of exiting students.

“Arrangements to be made for students taking part in NABTEB and BEC exams, WAEC examinations, NECO and sub exams respectively.

“All schools must comply with the strict recommended steps and required measures to be issued by the federal Ministry of Education before an institution is reopened in the timeline to be provided.”

Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has kicked against the planned reopening of schools by the Federal Government, saying the decision is suicidal.