It has become a case of different strokes for different folks in the Nigerian education system as states have selected different dates for the resumption of schools, no thanks to the Ebola Virus Disease.
The drama in Nigeria’s education sector started by the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has taken a new twist as states in Nigeria have staggered the resumption dates for the resumption of primary and secondary schools in their domains.
While a few states have stuck to the September 22nd date fixed by the federal Government, others have chosen different dates, mostly motivated by the Muslim Eid-el Kabir festival which will hold in the first week of October.
The Sallah festival comes just a week after the September 22nd date.
Kwara and Ondo states are among those that have directed all schools to resume on the 22nd.
The the Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said the government had made necessary provision for the safe return of pupils and students to their schools while in Kwara, the state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Saka Onimago, mandated all schools to asked schools to provide basic hygiene materials.
But in Zamfara, schools will now reopen on the 13th of October following a directive by the state government.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Alhaji Lawal Talata Mafara, the extension was motivated by fact that many students may not resume even if schools are reopened because of the Sallah festivities.
Osun state has also changed the resumption date to October 9th, a statement signed by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori.
Laoye-Tomori said the decision was made to give more time to train staff on Ebola prevention measures.
The Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, in announcing the postponement in his state, said the forthcoming Muslim festival.
Earlier this week, President Goodluck Jonathan said schools must respect the September 22nd date because “Ebola is no longer a threat in Nigeria.”