COVID-19: Students denied entry to schools over noncompliance

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

As schools in Osun State continue the 2020/2021 academic sessions on Monday, students who failed to use face masks were denied entry into their various schools.

While monitoring some schools in Osogbo and Ilesa, it was learnt that some government and private schools complied with the COVID-19 precautionary measures to some extent.

In Osogbo, the authorities of Salvation Army Grammar School and Osogbo Grammar School turned back students without face masks.

Also, Ilesa Grammar School in Ilesa turned back students without face masks as students were seen roaming the streets as at 10 in the morning.

On a visit to Salvation Army Grammar School and Osogbo Grammar School, the students were met at the gate as officials insisted that they should put on their nose covers.

However, the teachers who were enforcing the directive on face masks refused to comment on the development.

Some of the affected students at Osogbo Grammar School said they could not afford to buy the items as they were only given money for their midday meal, while others were reluctant to give reasons why they were not with their face masks.

No thermometer was also in use at two of the schools.

Meanwhile, Osun State Government said aside from the initial COVID-19 safety materials that were given to schools at the beginning of the term, the State’s Ministry of Education had made provisions to augment the materials (where necessary) to ensure the safety of students and teachers across the State.