Ebola Virus And Schools Resumption Date
Every nation has its own school calendar. In Nigeria, an academic year for the primary and post primary institutions begins in September and ends in the month of July.
Going by the academic calendar, Nigerian schools are to resume September 8, 2014, but the Federal Government shifted it to October 13, 2014 due to the unimaginable spread of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Earlier this week, the Federal Government has come out with another resumption date September 22, 2014. Since then mixed reactions trail the September 22, schools’ resumption date.
Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has called on the Federal Government and the relevant authorities to reconsider the new date for the future of the school pupils and students who are the leaders of tomorrow. According to the NMA, children are more vulnerable in terms of contacting sickness and disease than adults.
On Tuesday the members of the Federal House of Representatives wanted the September 22, schools resumption date changed. Their fears are anchored on the possibility of wide spread of the killer Ebola Virus Disease.
Besides the protection of property, government’s basic responsibility is the preservation of lives. Experts like Medical Doctors and other health personnel are warning against the re-opening of schools in September 22, to avoid possible outbreak of Ebola virus. They however, suggested a new date in mid October.
It is our plea that the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education should listen to the voices of the medical experts and reconsider the schools’ resumption date in the interest of our tomorrow leaders. ###
