By Aderemi Bamgbose
Some schools in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State partially complied to COVID-19 guidelines as stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Education when they resumed on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, last week after consultations with various stakeholders gave a nod to schools resumption on Jan. 18 with strict complance to the COVID-19 guidelines.
When the News Agency of Nigeria Correspondent monitored the situation at Ogudubuja High School, Stellamaris College, Ofedepe Comprehensive High School, Methodist High School, Methodist Primary School and Police Children School in Okitipupa, there were partial compliance.
NAN reports that most of the schools complied with the washing of hands with water and alcohol based sanitisers but most of the students and pupils were not on their face masks and did not maintain social distancing on their playing grounds.
Mrs Janet Oyepintan, Principal, Ofedepe Comprehensive College told NAN that her school complied with all the COVID-19 guidelines as stipulated by the Ministry of Education.
“We have our water, soaps, washing hand basins and have instructed the students to use their face masks, most students you see without face masks, just put it in their pockets,” Oyepintan said.
Mrs Florence Omowole, Assistant Headmistress, Methodist Primary School also said that her school complied with the COVID-19 guidelines as specified.
“Although most of the children did not resume today being the first day of resumption but the ones that we have here, have been instructed on compliance with the guidelines, especially washing of hands and social distancing,” Omowole said.
At the same vein, Mr Simeon Akindutire, the Principal, Stellamaris College said that the school prepared as students and teachers were instructed to comply fully with the preventive measures.
“Any student who flouts the guidelines will be punished. We have about six washing basins with soaps, running water and sanitisers at the gate with instructions.
“No face masks, no entry” and I have instructed the teachers to punish any student who fail to use the face mask, this will make them comply,” Akindutire said.
Kunle Akinrinwa, a student at Stellamaris College also said that students has been lectured on COVID-19 and its side effects adding that they were instructed to obey all the guidelines.
Akinrinwa said that he was happy for the resumption as he was tired of stating at home, especially seeing his friends since the before the long holiday.
Another student, Alice Morakinyo of Ogudubuja Comprehensive College said she was happy for the resumption because it would help her to reunite with her friends and study more.
She noted that their principal lectured them on the hazards of not wearing the face masks and disobedience to COVID-19 guidelines.
NAN reports that most of the pupils and students have not resumed for academic activities as some of the schools were half filled. (NAN)