Coronavirus: Rivers Govt To Monitor Compliance With Schools’ Closure

Coronavirus: Rivers Govt To Monitor Compliance With Schools’ Closure

By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA 

The Rivers State government has said it will withdraw the operational licence of any private school in the state that violates the order of closure of schools as directed by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt Friday, said a five-man committee has already been set up to monitor compliance.

Ebeku said: “With a deep sense of solemnity and responsibility, I must say that these are not good times in our world. The scourge of the virus called Coronavirus or Covid-19 is ravaging virtually all countries of the world. The World Health Organization has warned African countries to prepare for the worst.

“Earlier today, the State Governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, as a dynamic and responsible leader, has through a state-wide broadcast, announced that all schools in the state should be closed with effect from Monday, March 23, 2020.

“This is a painful but necessary decision to protect the people of Rivers State, particularly our school-going children from the pandemic. The order of closure affects all schools, both public and private, and from primary to University level.

“In furtherance of this decision, His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has directed that I set up a committee to monitor compliance with the order for closure of schools. I have since set up a five-man committee, which has been mandated to move round the state and ensure compliance.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any private school that violates the closure order will have its operational licence withdrawn forthwith.”