Kunle Adelabu
The Lagos State Government has perfected plans to re-open tertiary institutions in the state with new guidelines to accommodate staggered resumption dates and classes as the government prepares for the reopening with strategic learning plans.
THE IMPACT gathered that the Office of Special Adviser on Education (OSAE) during the week met with management and unions in all state tertiary institutions across the state where modalities for re-opening were discussed.
It was gathered that other issues relating to individual tertiary institutions were also discussed at the meetings held at Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
Reliable sources confirmed to THE IMPACT that while the state officials, led by the Special Adviser on Education, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, met with the management and unions of the only state University, Lagos State University (LASU) on Monday, June 1, 2020, it was the turn of the crisis – ridden Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) on the following day (Tuesday, June 2).
Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) took there turns on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu, in his 13th briefing on the update on the COVID-19 pandemic at the State House in Marina on Thursday, June 4, 2020, stated that the State has not got clear signals for the re-opening of schools, pointing out that the Government was still meeting with stakeholders to agree on protocols for school resumption.
This, he said, is expected to be finalised in two weeks.
In preparing for resumption, THE IMPACT gathered that the state government is planning staggered resumption and classes in tertiary institutions when their resumption is announced.
It was also gathered that the state government has agreed that online classes should continue for students in tertiary institutions.
THE IMPACT gathered that arrangements are also under way to constitute and inaugurate Governing Council of all state institutions soon.
According to sources within the government circle, there may likely be review of tuition fees and reversal of government decision on slashed subventions to higher institutions.
“Likely slight upward review of tuition fees in all institutions to boost Internal General Revenue (IGR) for sustainability”, a source told THE lMPACT.
It was gathered that government promised to provide Fire service station, administration building among others at LASPOTECH, while also pledging administrative building and perimeter fencing/land reclamation at AOCOED.
We also gathered that subventions to tertiary institutions cut due to the financial situations with the government would be reversed in view of the inabilities of the institutions to meet with their financial responsibilities.
“Subvention cut will also be reversed to status quo in all institutions”, the source added.
It was also gathered that the state government will ensure infrastructural development to cut across state tertiary institutions.
In its efforts to curtail the ravaging novel Coronavirus, the state government is also to provide face masks for all students, hand wash basin soaps and sanitizers at strategic points in all the State-owned tertiary institutions.
Another area that we also gathered that government is planning to intervene when schools resume is to provide transit buses on campuses for students and staff.
While calling for cooperation, diligence and good work ethics in moving LASU to a greater height, state officials also assured that shopping and advert for new Vice Chancellor and Chancellor would begin in earnest.
Staff of the only University in the state were also assured that issues with their promotions and arrears would be resolved soonest.
