Edo govt, federal tertiary institutions plan schools reopening

• UNIBEN students to begin on-line classes
• Urges caution as COVID-19 deaths rise to 21

The Edo State Government, yesterday, said it was making arrangements with federal tertiary institutions in the state to reopen schools for academic activities in compliance with the state’s COVID-19 protocols.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Osamwonyi Irowa, who briefed journalists on the state COVID-19 response, said government would continue to implement policies aimed at effectively containing the spread of the pandemic.

He said the state’s COVID-19 response team held a meeting with federal institutions in the state on the requirements for reopening for academic activities.

“We have engaged the institutions to ensure that if they have to resume ahead of what has been mandated, they need to meet the minimum standards the state government has set.

“The truth is that some of the students and teachers reside in Edo, while others reside in other parts of the country from where they could actually bring COVID-19 to Edo State.

“We don’t want a situation where after doing our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will now record imported cases into the state,” he stated.

Management of the University of Benin has asked students to remain at home following the state government’s directive, which suspended schools resumption till February 1, 2021.

In a statement, Acting Registrar, Clarkson Ehigiator, said students earlier billed to resume academic activities were not expected in their halls of residence on January 30, 2021 or be physically present on February 1, 2021

“While management awaits a new directive, the University of Benin acknowledges the sacrifices made by students and their parents during this challenging period.

“The University of Benin, as a federal institution, must adhere to directives of the Edo State Government,” the statement reads.

Governor Godwin Obaseki had announced the postponement of schools resumption from January 18, 2021, saying the directive would be reviewed on February 1, 2021.

“The academic calendar remains the same as on-line classes will fully commence. Management is committed to ensuring the provision of quality education to our students without compromising our collective safety.

“Management also recognises that students are eager to return for academic activities and assures that everything possible is being done to actualise the objective, as their interest remains paramount,” the statement added

MEANWHILE, the state government has restated the need for residents to be cautious and observe all precautionary health and safety guidelines against spread of COVID-19, as the death toll had rose to 21 since December 2020.

State COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. Andrew Obi, gave the charge at a meeting of the taskforce chaired by Governor Obaseki.

“In the last 24 hours, the state recorded 51 new cases and three deaths, with 387 active cases currently receiving treatment at various isolation and treatment centres across the state,” he said.