Benue State Government has approved Monday, 21st September, 2020 for resumption of both primary, secondary and tertiary schools across the state.
AFRIPOST reports that all schools in the state and other parts of the country have been shutdown since March due to the outbreak of the global pandemic, COVID-19.
However, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Dennis Dennis A. Ityavyar, on Wdenesday announced the resumption of all learning institutions within the state, adding that all schools must adhere strictly to Covid-19 protocols.
He explained that the resumption would be for first term of 2020 and 2021 academic session, stressing that third term for other categories of pupils and students except JSS 3 and SSS 3 had been cancelled including payment of school fees.
“Let me emphasize on the issue of school fees so there is no confusion because if third term is cancelled, school fees for the term is also cancelled. But in the case of JSS 3 and SSS 3, parents are expected to pay their third term fees. However, those who have not done third term, they don’t need to pay fees and this applies to private and public schools,” Prof Ityavyar clarified.
According to the Education Commissioner, it was the collective decision of stakeholders in the education sector in the state that all tertiary institutions be fumigated and COVID-19 protocols strictly observed.
He stated that parents are to provide facemasks and hand sanitizers while school authorities provide hand washing facilities and monitor compliance with social distancing in terms of sitting arrangement.
Professor Ityavyar stated that schools with high population would have to operate morning and afternoon sessions to avoid congestion, stressing that strict monitoring would be carried out to ensure compliance.
The Education Commissioner who acknowledged the compliance of Benue people with COVID-19 protocols said first term would end on 18th December, 2020 while second term of 2020 and 2021 would commence on 7th January 2021 and end on March the same year.
Professor Ityavyar, in another development, urged Benue people with requisite qualifications to apply for the National Teachers Scheme under the Universal Basic Education Board, UBEC, adding that interested persons could contact SUBEB for details.
