The world was attacked in December 2019 by the dreaded coronavirus pandemic, codenamed COVID-19, which, till today, has wrestled the global community to a standstill. Nigeria, no doubt, is not an exception. All sectors of the economy are stagnated.

However, in Anambra, the state government introduced various interventionist programmes and policies aimed at ameliorating the situation. One of such is forced closure of schools. The Governor, Sir Willie Obiano, adopted measures to ensure that pupils and students did not loose out after all. Anambra Teaching On Air, a collaborative and innovative blended learning programme, pioneered by the State Ministry of Basic Education and the Anambra Broadcasting Service, was introduced to keep our children busy. Many states copied the program.

Happily, the government has started gradual easing of the lockdown. To that effect, the state government commenced training of teachers and fumigation of schools in readiness for reopening of schools. Officials of the State Ministry of Basic Education toured all the schools in the state, both public and private, to ensure that all the guidelines and protocols of COVID-19 are in place.

In view of these water-tight arrangements, Governor Obiano and members of the State Executive Council, early this week, approved the gradual resumption of schools in the state. Consequently, the Ministry of Basic Education released the approved timetable for the completion of 2019/2020 Academic session and the schedule for the State Examinations. A release signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, Mr. Nwabueze Nwankwor, said Junior Secondary Schools will resume on Monday next week, September 7, 2020, while boarders have started returning this weekend. 

Third term 2019/2020 Academic session for both primary and secondary schools will begin on Monday, September 14, 2020 to end on October 23, 2020, while boarders are expected to return the weekend before the date.

West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which is on-going, will end on Saturday, September 12, 2020, while National Business and Technical Board (NABTEB) examination will start on Monday, September 21 and end on Thursday, October 15, 2020. NECO SSCE will last for six weeks, commencing on Monday, October 5 till Saturday, November 14, 2020.

Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JSS3 students will last for six days, starting from Thursday, September 17 to Thursday, September 24, 2020, while Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination will hold on Saturday, September 12, 2020. Pupils will go from their homes.

From all indications, the third term is short; therefore, schools are expected to make maximum use of the time. It is heartening that many schools and the state government had continued to teach students at home through various e-platforms, including the Anambra State Teaching on Air, which the government says, will continue, even at the phased reopening of schools.

Parents are expected to provide hand sanitizers and face masks for their children as they return to schools. School authorities, especially private schools, should equally note that all extra- curricular activities in schools are suspended.

While commending the Anambra state government for taking the bold step in phased reopening of schools, parents, school authorities, pupils and students must understand that coronavirus is real and still with us. Hence, they should ensure that they observe all the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines for the safety of all. Our children must be made to abide by all the stipulated guidelines, including regular washing of hands with soap and running water for a minimum of 20 minutes or frequent use of hand sanitizers. Appropriate wearing of face mask must not be compromised, while physical distancing should be maintained.

Schools should have infrared thermometer to frequently check the temperature of students, teachers and parents. Any sick person should be referred to the hospital. Indeed, Anambra is the light of the nation.

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