Many Nigerians have disagreed with the new directive by the federal government that all private and public primary, secondary schools resume September 22.
The reviewed date made public on Friday was a reverse of the initial October 13 date approved by the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
The federal government had considered the option of keeping all schools closed as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease.
Latest figures shows that the virus has killed 2000 in West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria has officially recorded seven deaths.
Reacting to DailyPost’s report on the September 22 date, respondents wondered why the federal government postponed resumption in the first place, asking which is wise of re-opening schools and ensuring a disease-free society.
Corper Basil from Abia state said: “One thing I like about Ebola is that even the Minister is not safe. I don’t know what is wrong with our leaders. That is how they were so reluctant on Boko haram initially; now see the nature of our security. Bet me, if out of their ignorance, the resumption of schools goes awry, Liberia will be better than Nigeria on EVD.”
Demola, responded this way: “These people are grossly incompetent. How could they think it is okay for schools to resume in September when d country is still on a high red alert. I thought the Minister of Health assured that the EVD was only in Lagos and boom another case in Port-Harcourt. These people (government officials) have their children studying abroad and that’s why they care less – just like the missing Chibok girls. EVD should never have entered Nigeria if Chukwu (Health Minister) had taken appropriate precautionary measures.”
A female commentator, Susan accused leaders of wrong policies and at the same time looting funds meant for the education sector to sponsor their wards to study abroad.
“These morons have no regard whatsoever for human lives. They don’t have their children here. If so, I doubt they would suggest our children go back to school while the nation tries to get grip of the deadly Ebola virus. They rule over us like we are cattle; making foolish decisions without thinking twice will destroy us if they are not stopped.”
Another respondent, Ren, advised the Minister to withdraw the latest directive, saying a dead child cannot be educated. “The current health situation in the country is far more pressing than academic matters. Nigerians should stand up and protest against school resumption.”
Florence Obafemi, adding her voice posited: “It is not for the good of our children because it is difficult to tell little children not to play with others. Our innocent children must be protected at all cost. Forget the cry of some private school owners. Some are protesting because of the money they are losing due to the postponement.”
Bassey, for his part, posed series of questions: “Can someone please tell me what is wrong with our leaders? What is the rush all about? Is one month to wait for Ebola to be eradicated in the country too much? If there was war in the country, won’t the schools wait ? If the private schools want to open, let them go ahead and do so, but they must sign an undertaken in case anything goes wrong in the lives of our children. We are just too careless in this part of the world.”
A certain ‘Stay’ also asked when the FG started caring about the future of the young ones. According to him, “Teachers/lecturers can be on strike for as long as possible, yet there won’t be any intervention. Poor people are always at the receiving end, their children are either grown-ups or not resident in Nigeria. God help the masses!”
Joining the debate, an anonymous commentator insisted that the previous resumption date (13th of October) remains the best choice as it will give the government time to think on how to resolve the issue better.
Continuing, “I personally would never allow my kids resume while the Ebola issue is still very much at hand. So please I’m begging the government on behalf of my family to let be 13th of October”.
Supporting government, however, one of the respondents, Michael, opined that since the Minister of health has deemed it fit that schools re-open on September 22, the directive should be respected.
Welcoming the new date, a supporter stated that the academic career of the children would be affected if schools remain shut, while another, Promise by name, went spiritual. He called on Nigerians to “leave everything to God because children can get Ebola Virus Disease at home or in school. We should keep praying against further outbreak,” he said.
Another angle to the discussion was taken by Alake, who opposed calls by some persons that other states can open classrooms on September 22, while schools in Lagos and Port-Harcourt remain shut till next month.
“That is not a good decision because some of these children actually travel to different places including Lagos and Port-Harcourt, so please let the resumption date remain 13th October.”
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