Kunle Adelabu
A former aspirant for the Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency seat at the House of Representatives in Abuja and now pursuing a higher degree in the United States of America (U.S.A), Prince Lanre A. Sanusi, stated that schools, especially higher institutions, in Nigeria should be opened for academic activities.
Sanusi, a Prince in Ikorodu and Amuwo Odofin who had also once aspired to represent Ikorodu people at the Lower house of the National Assembly, nonetheless, provided certain safety protocols that must be followed in allowing resumption of academic activities on campuses in the country.
The businessman cum politician, who has been researching into political and economic challenges, especially in Nigeria, for his ongoing higher degree in USA, in a short piece and chat with THE IMPACT, commended the efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo – Olu and the entire Lagos State Government for the efforts put in place so far in managing and curtailing the spread of the ravaging COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Lagos State Governor had on Friday, July 3, 2020, during a media parley announced the partial opening of schools for students in transitional classes across the State.
Governor Sanwo – Olu, at the parley, directed school authorities to prepare themselves well and get the right directives from the ministry of education and the quality assurance office under the ministry of education between now and August 3.
Also, the Governor said that students in higher institutions in the state would continue to enjoy online academic activities, pending the decision taken on physical resumption.
Meanwhile, Prince Sanusi, in a short piece, said that the world will have to accept the new normal and gets along with activities.
“As the world gets used to the new normal, I think students of higher institutions in Nigeria should be back on campus.
“However, the following safety protocols must be in place for in-person classes to avoid the spread of Covid-19: Distancing, Plexiglass shields, Face coverings, Sanitizing stations and Student contact.
Speaking further on the protocols, Sanusi said:
“Distancing—Class capacities are to be reduced by 50% or more so that students may have distance between them in the classroom. Professors should assign seating arrangements for easier contact tracing in the event of an infection.
“Plexiglass shields – Plexiglass shields should be put in place by the classroom entrance to provide as much protection as possible for students and the Professor.
“Face coverings – Students should be required to wear face coverings and professors should always be behind a barrier with a face mask.
“Sanitizing stations–At the entrance to every classroom, a sanitizing “station” must be provided with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.
“Student contact– Professor may ask students to contact him or her via email or another means to minimize direct contact with students before and after class”.
He also stated that in accordance with local and national guidance, all students must:
“Check their temperature before coming onto campus. Any student with a temperature of 100 degrees or greater should not attend class and must inform the instructor and practice good hygiene.
“That students must observe social distancing and maintain 6 feet of distance between them and any individual, wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands and cover coughs and sneezes.
“Should any student needs a remote option for an in-person class, he or she should contact the Professor for instructions”, he said.
