The House of Representatives has queued behind those calling for the postponement of schools’ resumption date. This is as it disclosed on Tuesday that it had directed its Committee on Education to review the September 22 resumption date for private and public primary and secondary schools in the country.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Ogene, who disclosed the position of the House in Abuja, said apprehension was still palpable among parents and guardians over Federal Government’s decision to change the earlier resumption date of October 13 to September 22.
DailyPost remembered that the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, had earlier said that the October 13 resumption date was to give health officers enough time to bring the EVD under control.
Ogene, who noted that the leadership of the House was concerned over the fresh protests by the public, especially parents and guardians, said the House tasked the committee to look into the matter urgently “in the overall interest of the pupils and students, parents and guardian and the general well-being of the entire country.”
His words, “You will recall that upon the outbreak of the dreaded Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, the House Committee on Health rose up to the occasion by interfacing with the health authorities – the result of which is the positive containment efforts and call-off of the strike by doctors in the country.”
Ogene further pointed out that considering the fact that some persons were still under surveillance, the House felt it had the responsibility to ensure the safety of children. He said the committee is expected to proffer recommendations on the appropriate and safe date to re-open the schools.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House noted that on September 8, a group, Africa Health, Human and Social Development Information Service, had advised against the re-opening of the schools, warning that re-opening schools now could put the lives of over 80 million school children and teachers at risk.
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