Delta: Tertiary Institutions To Reopen September

Delta State Government is set to order the reopening of tertiary institutions in the state.

According to reliable sources, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has met with stakeholders including COVID-19 management team where they agreed to reopen schools.

Our correspondent learnt that September 21, 2020, had been tentatively agreed as resumption date for the new academic session for tertiary institutions.

This is coming five months after the state government ordered closure of schools including universities and polytechnic to curtail the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Delta is currently on eight position on the Nigeria’s COVID-19 chart with 1,744 confirmed infections.

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Of the number, the state has managed and discharged 1,540 patients with 157 currently undergoing treatment.

However, 47 fatalities have so far been recorded.

Lagos, the epicenter of coronavirus in the country, has ordered tertiary institutions to resume academic activities on September 14 while primary and secondary schools are to reopen on September 21.

Sources within the government confirmed the decision for reopening of tertiary institution to our correspondent.

Our sources, however, said the agreed date remains tentative as it was still subject to change.

“We have agreed to reopen before September end. So far, we have agreed ‘tentatively’ on September 21. I can assure you that our schools will reopen in Delta State next month. Governor Okowa will announce it when all arrangements are completed”, a top government official disclosed.

A commissioner who did not want his name in print confirmed the development to our correspondent.

The commissioner said, “I can’t give you the exact date but our schools are resuming in September. All arrangements and modalities in line with the new conditions caused by COVID-19 area being addressed. His Excellency, Governor Okowa will announce the resumption date this week.”

When contacted on the development, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, confirmed that there are plans to reopen tertiary institutions in the state.

Muoboghare, who however did not reveal the actual date for reopening of schools, disclosed that schools will resume in September.

“I can’t give you details but we are resuming very soon. Upon resumption, the NCDC protocols will be strictly applied. We have the capability to resume. Arrangement will soon be announced. The NCDC will be applied to students, staff and visitors.

“In September, there will be positive movement towards reopening of tertiary institutions”, the commissioner added.