UN urges Nigeria to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions

In line with school reopening in Nigeria, the United Nations has called on state authorities in the country to ensure that safety protocols against the spread of COVID-19 are in place before the full reopening of schools.

The agency said that about 46 million primary and secondary learners across Nigeria are affected due to pandemic-related school closures.

Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, made this known in a statement in commemoration of the World International Day to Protect Education from Attack.

The theme for the Day this year is: “Protect Education, Save a Generation.”

Mr Kallon said that prioritising safety in schools for educators and learners would be an indication of the government’s commitment to protecting investments in the education sector and a validation of Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration.

He said,

“As State Governments plan to reopen schools after prolonged closures, building a resilient education system to withstand future shocks should be included in pandemic response plans.

Education is essential to helping crisis-affected communities in the north-east rebuild and recover. Attacks on schools are a direct attack on future generations.

I call on all parties to the conflict to take all necessary measures to protect education and give learners a chance to build a brighter future.”