Contrary to third term resumption news making the rounds on Social media, the Lagos State Ministry of Education has debunked the report alleging that a decision had been purportedly reached with an unnamed “Honourable Commissioner for Basic Education” regarding a new set of guidelines for schools resumption in the State.
According to Mr Kayode Abayomi, Head of the Public Affairs Unit in the Ministry, who refuted the claim stressed that such a decision has not been reached, insisting that the write-up did not emanate from the State Ministry of Education and should be disregarded.
He pointed out that there is no designation as “Honourable Commissioner for Basic Education” in the Ministry as contained in the viral post, stressing that the issue of new guidelines for post-COVID-19 lockdown resumption is already under review by the State Government and will be circulated after its conclusion.
Abayomi maintained that no School in the State is permitted to resume or re-open for Third Term Session till further directive to the contrary is issued by the State Government, despite the announcements on the gradual easing of existing lockdown in Lagos State and the re-opening of all government offices and establishments from Monday, 4th May 2020.
He also clarified that the recent Lagos State Head of Service Circular, which enjoins all Officers on Grade Level 13 and above to resume duty, is also applicable to teachers in all public schools subject to the Education Districts’ Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary’s Flexible Work Rosters for Officers.
While denying another media report alleging that the State Government has banned private schools from online teaching, Abayomi asserted that the present administration is not against the online teaching initiative adopted by most private schools in the State but, the internet-based teaching and learning do not imply a resumption of the Third Term Session.
Abayomi, therefore, reiterated that the State Government, through the State Ministry of Education, will still continue to offer free educational services for school children via various media platforms, especially radio and television.
