Delta Commissioner counsels school principals on COVID-19 protocol

Mr Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Delta, has urged Principals of public secondary schools in the state to strictly enforce the stipulated COVID-19 protocols in their schools.

Ukah made the plea on Wednesday in Asaba at an interactive meeting with the principals drawn from schools across the local government areas in the state.

According to him, it is mandatory for the principals to continuously tell their teachers and students that the pandemic is real and not a scam as some people are saying.

“It is better for the necessary precautions to be taken to avoid any positive case that can cause panic in the school system.

“The use of temperature gauge at the points of entry into schools, washing of hands, compulsory use of facemasks and adequate social distancing among the teachers and students.

“The principals and teachers must lead by example by complying with the protocols so that their students can emulate them,” he said.

Ukah said that the number of students per class must not exceed 40, well-spaced out and not more than two students per seat.

He expressed worry over teaching and learning hours that have been lost as a result of the effects of the pandemic.

The commissioner urged them to evolve strategies peculiar to the situations in their schools to ensure teaching and learning hours available for academic activities.

“Principals should carry Vice Principals along in the day to day running of the schools by holding weekly management meetings with them, giving specific assignments that will ease the stress associated with administration of schools,” Ukah said.

Also, Mrs Clementina Ojumah, the Director of Schools, enjoined them to put the interest of their students at heart at all times.

Ojumah advised them to be diligent in the discharge of their duties by obeying rules and regulations guiding their activities.