In view of the need to curb the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as well as safeguard the health of teachers and students in Lagos State, the Director-General, Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni has reiterated the need for both Public and Private Schools in the State to adhere strictly to the directives of the Lagos State Government towards closing down schools from Monday, 23rd March, 2020.

In a statement released by the Office of the Director-General, OEQA, evaluators have been strictly mandated to monitor compliance with the directives of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to Mrs. Seriki-Ayeni, schools intending to hold special sessions or write examinations before the said date should desist from doing so, stressing that this would be contrary to the directives of the State Government that all social gatherings or any gathering with more than 50 people remain banned.

She averred that, in line with the recent developments on COVID-19, all Principals and School owners are advised to note that failure to adhere to these directives may endanger the lives of students and teachers and violate the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

According to her, “Parents are advised to ensure that their children stay at home. No child should be sent to any tutorial centre or camp as this poses the same danger to their health and the larger community”.

“All students must be informed on the basic precautionary methods and hygienic practices which include giving social distance, avoiding large gatherings and close contact with sick persons, regular handwashing with soap and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers”, she added.

The Director-General maintained that strict compliance with these directives is mandatory, as failure to adhere will attract sanctions that may include the closure of the school indefinitely.