By Mike Adeyemi
All tertiary institutions in Kwara State will on Monday (today) open for academic activities following directive by the state government for school resumption.
The state Government had last week certified both the public and private tertiary Institutions across the state safe for resumption of academic activities.
The state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Hajiya Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu confirmed the certification in her office after the Ministry completed its inspection visits to tertiary institutions in the state to ascertain their level of preparedness towards school reopening.
The Commissioner had earlier at a stakeholders meeting, instructed the institutions to observe all COVID-19 safety protocols as directed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as schools reopen.
Kawu stated that the Ministry has done its part towards a smooth reopening by sensitizing and training the critical stakeholders to ensure that NCDC guidelines on COVID-19 protocols were strictly adhered to in order to flatten the curve of transmission of the virus.
She enjoined authorities of the various institutions to ensure that safety protocols are strategically positioned on the campuses for the safety of staff and students.
Kawu urged all the respective stakeholders to take responsibility by ensuring compliance with COVID-19 guidelines and safety protocols in all tertiary institutions in the state.
Meanwhile, the Provost of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Prof. Yusuf Abdulkareem has said the institution is set to resume academic activities.
The state Government had penultimate week given directive that all tertiary institutions in the state to re-open for academic activities on Monday, 12th October, 2020.
Recall that the state government had in March this year ordered the closure of all categories of schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The Provost while fielding question from National Pilot, in his office, on Friday said all sa measures have been put in place to ensure safety of both staff and students against the corona virus scourge.
According to him, the College committee on COVID-19 had perfected all plans to ensure that the students and staff of the institution adhere strictly to the COVID-19 safety protocol.
“The College’s Registrar is the chairman of COVID-19 committee and I can tell you that we are fully set for academic activities.
“We have been working for over a month now keeping the college tidy for resumption. All the precautionary measures as instructed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control (NCDC) have been provided at strategic places in the college.
“We have made available running water system, infrared thermometers and hand sanitizers. What is left is to get the bushes cuts as that will be done on Monday, “Abdukareem further said.
He added that the college will set up a monitoring committee to ensure compliance by staff and the students of the college.
“I will want to appeal to our students that they should follow the guidelines to save their lives”, he added.
