The Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday ordered immediate closure of tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools nationwide as the reality of the fearful coronavirus pandemic hits home.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr Sonny Echonno, who announced the directive in Abuja, said the action was part of measures to contain the spread of the disease.
This is coming as the Lagos State government early Thursday confirmed four new cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, bringing the total number to 12 cases in Nigeria.
Echono spoke on behalf of the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu.
Included in the directive are all 104 Unity Schools in the country.
The schools are expected to close on the 26th of March, 2020 as a proactive step aimed at preventing the spread of the dreaded Corona virus.
The Minister asked all Principals of Unity Colleges to fast track the on-going second term examinations and close shop until further notice.
He said the management of all the Unity Colleges should immediately activate the necessary emergency procedures and processes such as the provision of alcohol based sanitizers, and hand washing facilities among others, adding that students should strictly adhere to the principles and best practices of good hygiene.
Adamu Adamu also directed the Principals to immediately report any suspicious case to the nearest health authorities, emphasizing that nothing should be taken for granted at this delicate time of the global pandemic.
The Federal Government had put in place Palliative measures to cushion the effect of the virus. One of such is the reduction of pump price of petrol from N145 to N125.
Some states had earlier announced the closure of secondary and primary schools beginning from Monday, 23rd March, 2020.
