Falola lauds stakeholders’ decision to re-open school
By Anu Elegbe
A distinguished Scholar at the University of Texas, United State of America Prof. Toyin Falola has applauded the decision of Nigeria education stakeholders to allow students to resume amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
Falola who stated that it was imperative for academic session to continue stressed that the decision of the stakeholders will prevent further waste of students lives.
When asked about the feasibility of schools adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, the don strongly emphasized that the effective adherence to COVID-19 rules is possible and can be achieved through thorough discipline and determination on the parts of both school administrators and the students.
He stressed that it was important for tertiary institutions to resume as keeping schools lockdown on students would be nothing short of evil considering that students in private institutions have gone far ahead of their colleagues in public institutions.
Still justifying the need for resumption, Falola stated that the only thing that remind one in some parts of Nigeria that COVID-19 exists is the use of nose masks and the very infinitesimal placement of bowls with water and soap and hand sanitizer at the entrance to certain places. Then, if majority can go about their private businesses, students should not be hindered from their academic progress.
The African historian proffered the following, as measures that institutions should adopt to help stem the tide of corona virus.
All hostels should be adequately prepared to contain students with safety precautions put in place; Students should all be tested and house in preliminary hostel with enough potter to monitor them; Qualified (Non COVID-19) students should be made to sign memos which restrict them to learning areas within the University communities; All possible needs ranging from food to provision should be made available for delivery services while congestions. Large populations should be reduced to the healthiest minimum.
