Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved for private and public schools in the state to resume from Monday, January 18, 2021.
The decision was reached after "due consultations" with stakeholders, including Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students.
Director General, Office of the Education Quality Assurance, OEQA, of the state Ministry of Education, Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, in a statement on Friday, Jan 15, said the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo urged all school managers to enforce strict compliance with all subsisting protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The statement read in part: "I want to convey the approval of Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that all public and private schools in Lagos State can still resume for 2nd Term 2020 /2021 academic session with effect from Monday 18th January, 2021.
"In view of this, Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo wishes to enjoin all school managers to enforce strict compliance with all subsisting protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state. I wish you all happy resumption and please stay safe."
At the meeting, the stakeholders insisted on the compulsory wearing of facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools.
Other guidelines decided on during the meeting included compulsory temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools, ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers and enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.
The meeting called for schools to avoid overcrowding, ensure limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy; availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities.
"These measures which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance," FG stated.
