Experts Lament Continued Closure Of Nursery , Primary Schools In Rivers State

The continued closure of Nursery and Primary Schools in Rivers State, has stirred concern among some residents and parents.

They are wondering why basic education will still be shut down in the state when schools in some other states have moved on since last month.

Recall that all schools were shut down in March, as part of measures to curb Corona Virus Pandemic.

While Secondary and Tertiary Institutions were allowed to open to wrap up third term in 6weeks, Nursery and Primary Schools remain shut till date.

Some expert in Education Sector in Rivers State, are calling for the reopening of Nursery and Primary Schools.

One of them, Samuel Onyegwu who spoke to our reporter, said the continues closure of basic school is not healthy for Rivers State.

“The continues closure of Universal Basic Education in the State is dangerous to the education system. It will be wise to reopen the Nursery and Primary Schools, having recorded low cases of Covid-19 in recent times”

Samuel Onyegwu, an education expert further said that since Churches and market have been reopen, all schools should be fully open. While every citizen takes the responsibility of maintaining a personal hygiene.

A Scholar Walter Ofonagoro in an interview with our reporter said the closure of Nursery and Primary Schools are denial of the child the right to education.

He said Child Protection Act have stated that every child has a right to Basic Education.

Ofonagoro explained that getting back to school will not make the children to get infected. “If it would, those in Secondary Schools that just resumed would have been infected, and the rate of infection would have been high”.

He adding that Pupils should get back to school, as they will not be infected by Corona Virus.

Nzeuzor Jane
Port Harcourt.