The attention of Ministry of Education, Lagos State has been drawn to a write up being circulated on social media about a decision purportedly reached with an unnamed “Honourable Commissioner for Basic Education” regarding a new set of guidelines for schools resumption in the State.

The Ministry wishes to clarify that the write up did not emanate from the State Ministry of Education and therefore should be disregarded. Moreover, the Office is designated as the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for Education and not for “Basic Education” as contained in the write up. It should be stated that no decision has been made regarding any new Guidelines for implementation as regards schools resumption. It is pertinent to state that the issue of new guidelines for schools in the state for post Covid-19 lock down resumption is already under review by the Ministry and will be circulated when ready.

Further to the Federal and State Governments’ directives on the gradual easing of existing lockdown in Lagos State which led to the re-opening of all offices in the Secretariat, Alausa as well as other Government establishments in the State with effect from Monday, 4th May, 2020, the Ministry wishes to inform the general public that no school in the State is permitted to resume or re-open for Third Term Session pending further directives to the contrary from the State Government.

However, in line with Head of Service Circular Ref. No: CIR/HOS/’20/Vol.1/046 which enjoins Officers on Grade level 13 and above to resume duty, this is also applicable to teachers in all the public schools in the State while this is subject to TG/PS Flexible Work Roasters for Officers on Grade Level 13 and above of individual Education Districts in compliance with the Physical Distancing Principle as stated by the World Health Organization.

As regards a media report going round which states that the State Government has banned private schools from online teachings, The Ministry also wishes to clarify that this is not true while stating that the State Government has never been against online teaching initiative adopted by most private schools in the State. However the online teaching and learning does not imply resumption of Third Term.

The State Government through the Ministry will still continue to offer free teachings via various media platforms, especially radio and television.

Signed:
Kayode Abayomi
Head, Public Affairs Unit
Ministry of Education
2nd May, 2020