The Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), Bauchi state chapter, has said that they were ready to resume the new academic session on Jan. 18, according to association chairman Nimshi Lerson.
Lerson told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, in Bauchi, that schools under the association had prepared for resumption with all the COVID-19 protocols set by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“Private schools are ready for transitional classes to resume, as we made provision for handwashing, infrared thermometers, sick bay, hand sanitizers, and face masks for workers and pupils.
“Our workers had been trained on how to manage the children to avoid the spread of the pandemic as well as seating arrangement adjusted to allow for two-metre distance between the children.
“Ensure that the entire premises of each school have been decontaminated and make efforts to maintain hygienic environment in the schools,” he said
Mr Lerson, who is also the National Vice President of APSON, said that, “as a responsible association, we have shown our readiness to ensure safety before reopening of schools in the state.
He also assured of effective monitoring of symptoms-reporting, monitoring, rapid testing and tracing of suspected cases and effects of policies and measures on health and well-being of pupils, students and members of staff.
“School closure have clear negative impact on child health, education and development, family income and the overall economy”, Lerson added
The chairman commended the Federal Government for including private schools in the stimulus loans for businesses affected by the pandemic, adding that some of us have gotten, while others are awaiting their share.
He called on the state government to also support the private schools with necessary facilities to complement development of education in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Bauchi state government has announced Monday, Jan. 18 as the resumption date for all schools in the state. (NAN)
