Ebonyi schools reopen after COVID-19 lockdown

By Christian Ogbonna
Abakaliki, Oct. 6 2020 Primary and post-primary schools in Ebonyi reopened on Monday after about six months of closure due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Onyebuchi Chima, who visited some of the schools, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was total compliance with COVID-19 protocols by the schools.
He said that private and public schools commenced learning upon resumption.
He urged school managements to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols to check the spread of the virus among students.
Chima said that the state government had also approved morning and afternoon sessions to ensure that social distancing among schools was properly obeyed.
The commissioner also hailed the teachers and students turnout in the schools he visited.
He underscored the need for running water points at strategic locations, especially at the entrances of the schools.
NAN reports that the schools visited, including Abakaliki High School, Divine Light Academy, Mile Layout, Abakaliki White Cloud School and Izzi High School, among others, had running water at different points.
Similarly, pupils and students were seen putting on their face masks in and out of their classrooms.
“I have gone round and I am impressed with the turnout of students and teachers on the first day of resumption.
“I urge all the schools to provide running water and strictly obey the COVID-19 protocols.
“Any schools that fail to adhere to the protocols will be sanctioned,’’ he said.
Mrs Ugochi Edeh, a teacher at Izzi High School, said the school had divided into morning and afternoon sessions.
Edeh said she was happy to return to classroom after the lockdown, adding that she was fully ready to discharge her duties.
A student of Abakaliki High School, Miss Chinwe Ogbonna, told NAN that she was happy to be back to school.
“Yes, I am happy to be back to school. We are tired of staying at home.
“I commend the federal and state governments for adopting proactive measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic,’’ Ogbonna said.