As primary and secondary schools resume in Abia State, it has been observed that some schools have failed in the compliance of the necessary COVID-19 precautions outlined.
This was made known through AFNEWS reporters who visited some schools within Umuahia metropolis to observe the rate of compliance to the stipulated protocols.
While all government-owned schools in the State remained closed due to the recent strike embarked by the teachers, some students were found assembling and loitering around the premises of Ibeku High School, Umuahia.
However, efforts aimed at speaking to the Principal of the school on the reason for the assembling and loitering of the students proved abortive as the Principal claimed to have dispersed them on the grounds of the strike and the students’ refused to go.
Meanwhile, some private schools visited were found to be observing the necessary COVID-19 protocol. Speaking to the Head Teacher of El-Shaddai International School, he noted that both the teachers and pupils have been mandated to wear their face masks before they will be granted access into the school premises.
Furthermore, running water, hand sanitisers, thermometer, and liquid soap were found at strategic positions with pupils observing physical distancing and putting-on their face masks. Same could also be reported of DANIJOY International School.
Regrettably, pupils and students in Margaret Schools, Umuahia were found to be assembling and giving deaf ears to the observance of the necessary COVID-19 protocols. However, the representative of the Principal declined to speak on this sad observation for security reasons.
On the challenges facing the observance of these protocols in most schools, the teachers and school management called on the parents to be of great assistance as most of them have refused to equip their wards with the necessary COVID-19 protective devices.
