Tobias Sylvester
Ogun State Government has cancelled the proposed N25,000 payment for coronavirus test for returning private school students after protest by their parents.
KanyiDaily had reported that there was outrage by parents of pupils in private secondary schools in Ogun over the request of N25,000 COVID-19 test fee by the government.
The protest have forced the state government to cancel its earlier directive on the COVID-19 test for the returning students.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the state governor, Dapo Abiodun apologised to the people of the state for “inconvenience and confusion” experienced by the parents on Sunday.
“After reviewing these developments, I have today immediately directed that the government laboratories carry out tests for all returning SS3 boarding students at no cost. I have also directed that all those who have paid for tests be refunded. The health of our children remains our utmost priority.
“However, in view of the total number of boarding students to be tested (5,340 private and 500 public), and bearing in mind the limitation of our installed testing capacity of 500 tests per day, it may not be feasible for all boarding students to get tested and get their results prior to resumption or even exams which commence on 17th August 2020.
“Consequently, the state government has, therefore, stepped down the COVID-19 test as a mandatory requirement for returning students in our exit classes.
“We, therefore, enjoin private school owners to exercise their duty of care to their pupils. The admittance of students into boarding houses in private secondary schools will be at the discretion of the management and the Parents Teachers Association of such private schools.
“Ogun State government recommends that students who do not have to stay in the boarding house should attend school from home, especially those with underlying health conditions.
“I have also directed the provision of face masks to all students in both private and public schools. The inconvenience and confusion experienced yesterday are highly regrettable and my sincere apologies to the parents and students so affected.
“The quality and standard of education and well being of our children are issues that are very dear to my heart.
“I appreciate the cooperation, support, resilience and understanding of all the people of Ogun State towards flattening the curve of COVID-19. It is my prayer that this phase will end soonest.”
KanyiDaily had reported that Ogun State Government has directed all secondary school teachers and students in the state to resume on Tuesday, August 4, ahead of the West African Senior Secondary Schools Examination (WASSCE) scheduled for August 17, 2020.
