The Federal Government has said that the date October 13 which was earlier fixed for the resumption of primary and secondary schools could still be extended or shortened, pending when the Ebola crisis in the country has been ameliorated.
Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, stated this in Abuja in the midst of Journalists and said the situation of things in regards to the Ebola disease, would determine whether the resumption time would be further extended or fixed for an earlier date.
He appealed to Nigerians not to complain as the Federal Government’s decision was taken in the best interest of every Nigerian.
In his words, “About the closure of primary and secondary schools, any date is tentative. It is possible for government to decide to reopen schools earlier than October 13 or even extend it.
“It depends on what we are having on ground in Nigeria. It is good to play safe since we have a number of contacts we are following and we don’t know who may develop the disease among them.
“For children, I am always careful. Children, as we know, don’t start complaining immediately they develop illness. It is the parents that usually observed them. So, we need to be extra careful.”
The minister maintained that the disease was still being contained in Lagos, as the only person living with the virus was currently receiving treatment at the isolation ward in Lagos.
He added that the outcome of the test carried out on the widow of the doctor who died in Port Harcourt and the discharge of the only victim in the isolation ward would determine the next step the government would take regarding when the schools will resume.
The minister debunked the idea that the Federal Government had banned mass gathering of people and insisted that the organisers must obtain approval from the Federal Ministry of Health.
“As government, we have not banned mass gathering in Nigeria but such gathering outside a hall, church or mosque must be with the approval of the Ministry of Health. We are doing this to protect our people.” He clarified
Furthermore, Prof Chukwu also added that the country was considering the closure of her borders.
Should the Federal Government extend the resumption dates for primary and secondary schools, until the Ebola virus has been completely eradicated? Will delaying the resumption of schools affect our educational system? Do you think if children are allowed to resume, the chances of curbing the Ebola Viral Disease would be slim?
Tell us what you think.
