Encomium
The federal government’s recent directive cancelling summer schools and extending school resumption by a month has been applauded by Nigerians, despite serious concerns being raised by some stakeholders. Commenting on the school resumption extension, almost all our respondents agreed that students staying off schools to check the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was in the best interest of parents and the nation at large.
It would be recalled that secondary and primary schools scheduled to resume on Monday, September 15, 2014, would now commence a new academic session on Monday, October 13, 2014, so that the deadly EVD won’t affect students.
‘I would rather have my children at home for one year’
– MUTIAT OLOYEDE
I would rather have my children at home for one year and empower myself with the knowledge needed to run a home school than get them exposed to a deadly virus that can wipe out our entire family.
‘More awareness, sensitization and quarantine centers are what we need’
– HAFSAT FADIPE
I am not in total support of closing down schools because every day, people gather in churches, mosques, offices, seminars, conferences, so what’s the difference? More awareness, sensitization and quarantine centers are what we need. Our actors and musicians can be of help too.
‘I think the decision of government is only in the interest of its citizenry’
– ELIZABETH AKINOLA
I think the whole essence of closing down schools is to reduce the possibility of further spread and to protect our children. An adult is fully aware of the possible ways of contracting the disease and should know how to protect or prevent him/herself from Ebola. I think the decision of government is only in the interest of its citizenry.
‘It’s good they stay away from schools…’
– LASISI SOLIU
I commend the Federal Government on that decision. It’s good. No one knows much about how the disease spreads, we’re all guessing. And instead of exposing innocent children to the virus, it’s good they stay away from schools, pending the time there will be permanent cure for the disease.
I would have even suggested the resumption date should be indefinite to allow government find a lasting solution to the problem. It’s a real issue that must be addressed with sincerity of purpose.
‘It’s a right step in the right direction’
– COMFORT FADINA
I support the decision by the federal government to extend school resumption because of Ebola virus. It will put children out of risk of innocently contacting the dreaded disease. It’s a right step in the right direction.
‘It is a good thing the state and Federal Government have done’
– ABOSEDE OLAYIWOLA
It is a good thing the state and Federal Government have done. To me, it is a great move to avoid the spread of this deadly disease and also government should try and do something about this disease during this period that resumption date has been extended.
‘It is a good idea to protect our children and Nigerians in general’
– TUNDE AFOLABI
It is a good idea to protect our children and Nigerians in general, pending the time the disease will finally be fought. In fact, I am impressed by the measures the state and Federal Government are taking towards this issue.
‘I think it is a great idea’
– FOLA OYEYEMI
I think it is a great idea. Government has awakened to its responsibility. We all should also pray so that an end can come in time to that disaster.
‘Engaging those children meaningfully is just the issue’
FUNKE ADEBISI
I think it is a good development considering what is happening in the country now. Engaging those children meaningfully is just the issue.
“Closing schools is not the solution to the spread of Ebola”
– YOMI OTUBELA, Lagos State Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools
The minister did not say anything about the forth-coming November/ December examination and how the summer classes will affect them. Asking a part of the population to stay at home is not a holistic approach to resolving the health crisis. These children go to churches and mosques. Are we going to shut churches and mosques too? Parents will not be at home to monitor them. With whom will these children stay?
A school is where knowledge is shared. Asking pupils to stay off school is like asking them to stay off knowledge.
What government needs to do is ensure that the schools put measures in place to guard against an outbreak. And we have been doing that since Ebola was reported in Nigeria.
“All schools should have been closed”,
– FOLA ADELEKE
I have a problem with the directive closing down summer classes and postponing only primary and secondary schools resumption date from September 15 to October 13. The directive left out federal and state universities. I don’t believe they will spread Ebola more than the universities.
All schools should have been closed.
“It’s perfectly in order”
– PROF. ADEMOLA ONIFADE
It’s perfectly in order. We have to be sure we can contain Ebola as a nation. This is a national emergency. And I think every Nigerian should stand with government. Yes, pupils will go to churches, mosques, and other public places. But any measure to reduce the incidence is acceptable.
We cannot know all the ways or prevent all the avenues for Ebola transmission. But we can reduce the incidence. This is a unique situation and we have to deal with it as such.
