COVID-19: We are still uncomfortable with the decision to reopen schools —Mustapha

The Federal Government had ordered the reopening of schools, only to backtrack, and then later return back to its initial position. This is a clear case of a confused administration.

That cases of covid-19 is still on the rise across the world is an indisputable fact. In fact, of all the countries with over a hundred million people, Nigeria has the lowest cases of Covid-19 which could suggest either the country's testing capacity is poor, or that the transmission of the virus is actually low. While the former can easily be verified, the latter however, is hard to tell, which is a major cause for worry.


This perhaps is the reason the Buhari administration is dragging its feet with regards to school reopening. But pressures from all sides particularly those concerned with the financial impact of prolong closure, is forcing the Federal Government to make difficult decisions.

This is made clear in a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, who said reopening schools is still a source of concern for the Buhari administration.



According to him, “this is based on the fact that the school system remains a veritable ground for increasing community transmission of coronavirus if appropriate protocols are not put in place and adhered to.”

Speaking in Abuja on Monday at the briefing of the PTF, the SGF implored stakeholders to ensure that the agreed protocols were put in place and measures strictly adhered to.

He disclosed that the PTF was concluding discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission on what the guidelines should be for the upcoming elections, especially in Edo and Ondo States.




“The national response would continue to guide the adoption of sector specific guidelines and protocols just as the PTF is currently concluding discussions with the INEC on appropriate guidelines to be adopted for elections beginning with the August 8th bye-election in Nasarawa Sate to be followed by those for Edo and Ondo States in September and October respectively,” he said

He warned party leaders, aspirants, members and supporters to remain mindful of the virulent nature of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns and other election processes.



He said: “We need to remain alive to enjoy the benefits of our democracy.”