Benue to resume schools on 21st September

Benue State Government said, its schools would resume on Monday, September 21, 2020. 

The state Commissioner for Education, Professor Dennis Ityavyar announced this Wednesday at Government House Makurdi while briefing newsmen.

He said both public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions are to abide by the directive by the state government.

According to Ityavyar, the resumption is for first term of 2020 and 2021 academic session, stressing that third term for other categories of pupils and students except JSS 3 and SSS 3 had been cancelled including payment of school fees.

“Let me emphasize on the issue of school fees so there is no confusion because if third term is cancelled, school fees for the term is also cancelled. But in the case of JSS 3 and SSS 3, parents are expected to pay their third term fees. However, those who have not done third term, they don’t need to pay fees and this applies to private and public schools,” the Commissioner clarified.

Further, Prof. Ityavyar, said,  it was the collective decision of stakeholders in the education sector in the state that all tertiary institutions be fumigated and COVID-19 protocols strictly observed.

He added that parents should provide facemasks and hand sanitizers as the school authorities are to provide hand washing facilities and monitor compliance with social distancing in terms of sitting arrangement.

He also stated that schools with high population would have to operate morning and afternoon sessions to avoid congestion, pointing that a strict monitoring would be carried out to ensure compliance.

He acknowledged the compliance of Benue people with COVID-19 protocols and however, revealed that the first term academic activities would end on 18th December, 2020 while second term of 2020 and 2021 is to commence on 7th January 2021 and end on March the same year.

The Education Commissioner equally advised the Benue people with requisite qualifications to apply for the National Teachers Scheme under the Universal Basic Education Board, UBEC, stressing that interested persons could get details from SUBEB