NLC demands intervention funds for schools

Ahead of the resumption of academic activities in schools for graduating students, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate release of intervention funds to all institutions to enable them provide necessary safety measures.

The union noted that the reopening of schools needed to be done with due diligence and utmost precaution “given the overcrowded nature of schools at both primary, secondary and tertiary levels”.

The congress said the government should invite all stakeholders in the primary and secondary education sub-sector comprising the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Parents-Teachers’ Associations, Committee of Vice Chancellors/Provosts of Polytechnics and Colleges of Educations, and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS) to deliberate on the way forward on the planned reopening of schools.

The group, in a communique by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, and made available to journalists said there is a need to create post-COVID-19 re-opening plans and strategies based on the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocol and guidelines.

“There is a need to re-adjust the budget for education and implement measures to assist institutions with the financial burden of managing COVID-19. We call for the immediate release of intervention funds to all institutions to enable them provide the needed safety measures.”

The union also stressed the need to train the staff of health centres in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary and primary schools, both teaching and non-teaching, on the handling of pupils and students.

“There is a need to revisit the outsourcing policy of security personnel and cleaners, especially in institutions of higher learning to enable the schools have full control of the security personnel and cleaners.”

It also called for expansion of classrooms to ensure observance of social distancing, and fumigation of school premises and buildings.

It recommended the provision of free internet bandwidth in all institutions for members of staff and students within and around the school premises.