COVID-19: Nigerian Government Gives Updates On Reopening Of Tertiary Institutions

The Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba has given updates on reopening of tertiary institutions in the country.

Speaking on Monday at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja, Nwajiuba said no date had been fixed yet for the full resumption of schools in the country.

The minister, however, expressed optimism that the date for resumption was “around the corner,” adding, that “we are not going to be brandishing dates.”

He disclosed that the ministry met some stakeholders in tertiary education earlier on Monday on the matter.

“We have reviewed responses from about 78 universities already, most of which are private universities who are insistent that they are ready to go.

“From the state-owned universities, we have a 50-50 response and we are working to upscale that and make sure that everybody is actually ready to go,” the Minister said.

The minister urged students of tertiary institutions protesting the continued closure of their schools to be patient with the government.

However, even if the government allows tertiary institutions to resume, most public universities will not due to an ongoing nationwide strike by university lecturers, ASUU, over welfare demands.

KanyiDaily recalls that ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi had vowed to continue its ongoing strike until the Federal Government addresses all its demands.