Federal Government has directed the Heads of Federal Institutions and Principals of the 104 Unity Colleges across the country to close down the institutions as a result of the spread of coronavirus.
Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu gave the directive through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement was issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Ben Bem Goong.
The permanent secretary noted that the decision to close down the schools was to protect and safeguard the lives of students/pupils from the deadly coronavirus.
Echono said: ”We have directed all higher institutions to close this weekend. Unity Schools that have completed their exams are to close immediately.
“Others are to hurry and close the latest on 26th March.”
The permanent secretary said the ministry would monitor development as total closure might be ordered at any moment.
He admonished all the Principals of the Unity Colleges to fast track the on-going second term examinations and close shop until further notice.
The statement reads: “In the meantime, the Minister said the management of all the Unity Colleges should immediately activate the necessary emergency procedures and processes such as the provision of alcohol based sanitizers, and hand washing facilities among others, adding that students should strictly adhere to the principles and best practices of good hygiene.
“Adamu Adamu directed the principals to immediately report any suspicious case to the nearest health authorities, emphasising that nothing should be taken for granted at this delicate time of the global pandemic.”
THE NATION
