The former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has cautioned the Federal Government against decision, that schools in the country would no longer re-open as earlier planned, and that West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would not hold.
The former governor reacting to the statement issued by the Minister Of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to that effect, was of the opinion that such moves would jeopardize the future of children.
Mr Peter Obi who made his feelings known in a statement to journalists, said that such a sudden U-turn by the Federal Government on the earlier scheduled school resumption was not healthy for the country that should consider the education of its citizens a priority.
He explained that there were other safe measures the Ministry of Education could employ for the safe re-opening of schools without putting the health of students at risk.
He pointed out that outright cancellation of the WASSCE, was not in the best interest of the country because in addition to jeopardizing the future of Nigerian children, it presents Nigeria in bad light.
While noting that abundance of caution has to be put in place for the sake of the lives of students, Mr Obi expressed confidence that a good road map for safe return to schools would effectively reactivate the education sector, while seeing students safely through their academic exercises.
He expressed hope that the Federal Government would realise how important it is that the education sector comes alive with activities.
Peter Obi proffered that rather than completely halting academic activities, especially WASSCE, the Ministry of Education should have by now come up with an effective roadmap that will see our children back to school safely.
He pointed out that the Minister of Education, could do this by providing more amenities like classrooms, equipment, while invigilators should ensure that social distancing is well enforced among students.
Obi also advised that working hand-in-hand with other ministries will give the Ministry of Education the much-needed synergy to work out safe plan for the resumption of schools, calling on the government to reconsider its stand and create a safe environment for the students to take their examinations.
