95% Of Private Schools In Kaduna, Ready For Resumption, Says NAPPS

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Kaduna State chapter, says 95 per cent of its members are ready to reopen schools for students in exit classes and students close to graduation.

This was disclosed while reacting to the state government’s directive to schools to reopen on Aug. 10 by the secretary of the association, Mr Phillip Lorhena.

The directive was to enable final year students in secondary schools to sit the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), and other certificate examinations.

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Lorhena told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Thursday that the members were fully prepared for reopening, with strict adherence to safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are 95 per cent ready to reopen for students in exit classes to write their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations.

“We are ready with hand sanitizers, hand washing facilities, thermometers, and other COVID-19 safety protocols.

“So far, 95 per cent of our members have submitted the Risk and Readiness Assessment Form to the Kaduna State Private School Board.

“I am sure our remaining members will be ready before the end of the week,” he said.

The NAPPS scribe said that no private school was allowed to collect any amount from students in the guise of covering expenses on COVID-19 safety protocols.

NAN recalls that Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i on Monday approved Aug.10 as the resumption date for exit students in secondary schools expected to begin their WAEC examination on Aug. 17.

The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Makarfi, had on Aug. 3 directed all school principals to make arrangements to receive SSS 3 boarding students on Aug. 9 and the day students on Aug. 10.

“Principals are to ensure compliance with agreed guidelines which include reduced hours of work and revision to four hours per shift, social distancing in classes, laboratories, libraries, and hostels,’’ he said.

He added that there should also be consistency in temperature monitoring and handing over of any suspected case of COVID-19 to health authorities.