By Banji Ayoola
The Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji, Ondo State would resume academic activities in continuation of the second semester of the 2019/2020 Academic Session on January 18, 2021.
This was contained in a statement by the institution’s Head, Information, Protocol & Passages, Mr Sanmi Enigbokan.
It was entitled: “Resumption Of Academic Activities For Second Semester Of 2019/2020 Academic Session.”
It said: “This is to bring to the immediate awareness of the entire Polytechnic Community, particularly ALL Staff and Students that the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji will resume for normal academic activities in continuation of its Second Semester of the on-going 2019/2020 Academic Session on Monday, 18th January, 2021.
“This decision was taken by the Management of the Institution having put in place all necessary measures to curtail the spread of the second wave of Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
“In order to safeguard the healthy well-being of the Polytechnic Community upon resumption, Management has therefore directed that ALL Staff and Students should comply with the following safety measures:
- Submission for regular temperature checks and washing of hands at all entry points to the Polytechnic;
- Wearing of face/nose masks while within the premises of the Polytechnic;
- Maintenance of social distancing in classes and offices ; and
- Use of hand sanitizers provided at all entry points to the Polytechnic.
“All returning Students are to note that registration and lectures will commence immediately on resumption.
“In addition, the School Authorities will strictly enforce due adherence to the above spelt out safety protocols.
“Management wishes all Staff and Students safe resumption to the Institution.”
The Polytechnic’s directives on the planned resumption are in line with those of the Federal Government which had asked schools nationwide to commence academic activities from January 18, 2021 in strict compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
As reported by The Radiance on Thursday January 14 in a story titled “FG Directs Schools To Resume Jan 18”, the Federal Government asked schools nationwide to resume on January 18, 2021 after “due consultation” with stakeholders.
The decision was reached after a meeting with stakeholders, including Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students.
The Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, in a statement on Thursday, said the consensus at the meeting was that the resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
The meeting however insisted on the compulsory wearing of facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools.
Other measures arrived at during the meeting included compulsory temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools, ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers and enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days.
The meeting called for avoidance of overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy; availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities; adherence to all other non-pharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.
“These measures which are to ensure safe reopening of schools for academic activities will be subject to constant review as we urge teachers, school administrators and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance,” the statement added.
