Coronavrius: Lagos Shuts All Schools Indefinitely, Opts For E-learning

As a measure to curb the swift spread of Coronavirus pandemic, the Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced the indefinite closure of all schools from Monday 23 March.

The closure of schools capped the various measures announced by the state after four more coronavirus cases were confirmed in the state, taking the state’s tally to seven.

The government announced earlier the banning of all religious gathering of over 50 people, after consultation with stakeholders. The ban will be for four weeks.

Although Ekohotblog reports that some leading private schools had announced closure, without waiting for government instruction to do so.

The schools include Greensprings School, which has branches in Anthony, Ikoyi and Awoyaya; and Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School, Ikoyi.

Both schools have opted for e-learning for pupils while they are at home.

Greensprings School’s Head of Admissions, Mrs. Oluranti Bankole said: “Learning will now be done online using the virtual learning platform and video conferencing. She added that the school had adopted the WHO crisis management grid for COVID-19.

In a notice to parents, LPSS said the closure was a result of the spread of the Coronavirus and the school’s international makeup.

“Due to the global spread of the Coronavirus and the international makeup of the LPSS family, we have decided to close the school to children today, 18 March 2020. Whilst formal lessons have ended for the term, we are unable to predict how these events may affect Trinity (third) term and so, primary and secondary students will come home today with their notebooks.”

Other schools like Berkely and Juilliard Schools and Chessington Montessori School, Agege, announced closures for Wednesday and Friday.

Chessington informed parents that bills and report cards “will be sent electronically”, while Berkley and Juilliard Schools promised to offer “skeletal services” to stranded parents.