MSSN tasks government on school reopening, warns of impending job losses
The Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has called on the federal and state governments to see to the possibility of full reopening schools in the country and assist private schools with palliative to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on schools and teachers.
The call was made by the Amir (President) of the association, Miftaudeen Thanni, at a Press Conference held at Bagauda Baltho Press Centre, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos.
Thanni who takes over the mantle of leadership of the MSSN Lagos recently tasked the government on the importance of adequate funding of education in the country.
He said: “After a long debate, the federal and state governments approved the reopening of schools for students to prepare and take their WASSCE. This is a welcome development. But it comes with grave consequences. Considering that markets and other open places have been opened, there would be no convincing reason to shut schools down. But how prepared are these schools to accommodate the pupils and ensure that COVID-19 does not spread among the students?
“No doubt, coronavirus has exposed the weakness and poor standards of our schools. Ideally, the facilities required to ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines are supposed to be the basic things that should be readily available in our schools like washing-hand basin, running water, among others,” he said.
Thanni added: “While we acknowledge the government’s efforts in ensuring development in the education sector, there are obvious and unpardonable lapses. This gangrene speaks for itself and affects the entire educational chain – primary, secondary, and tertiary”.
The poor funding of education in the country is having a negative effect on output across all levels.”
The Amirah (female head) of the MSSN Lagos, Basheerah Majekodunmi, warned school principals against hijab harassment.
“We will not entertain any case of hijab harassment or molestation of any kind. Principals and teachers should be aware that there is an Appeal Court ruling, which guarantees the freedom to use the hijab in schools.
“We will not only sue defaulters, but we will also ensure that we name and shame them publicly,” she added.
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