[BREAKING] School reopening: Ogun cancels COVID-19 test requirement

Governor of Ogun State , Dapo Abiodun , on Monday, cancelled the initially announced Covid- 19 test requirement for resuming pupils in exiting classes .

There has been outrage by parents of pupils in private secondary schools in the state over the request of N 25 , 000 COVID - 19 test fee by the government .

But in a statement on Monday evening titled , “ Ogun Makes COVID - 19 Test Free For All Returning SS 3 Boarding Students ” , the governor stepped down the COVID - 19 test as a requirement for each graduating pupil to resume .

The statement read , “ After reviewing these developments, I have today immediately directed that the Government Laboratories carry out tests for all returning SS 3 boarding students at no cost . I have also directed that all those who have paid for tests be refunded.

“ The health of our children remains our utmost priority , however in view of the total number of boarding students to be tested ( 5 , 340private and 500 public ) , and bearing in mind the limitation of our installed testing capacity of 500 tests per day , it may not be feasible for all boarding students to get tested and get their results prior to resumption or even exams which commence on 17 th August 2020 .

“ Consequently , the State Government has , therefore , stepped down the COVID - 19 test as a mandatory requirement for returning students in our exit classes . We , therefore , enjoin Private School owners to exercise their duty of care to their pupils . The admittance of students into boarding house in private secondary schools will be at the discretion of the management and the Parents Teachers Association of such private schools .

“ Ogun State Government recommends that students who do not have to stay in the boarding house should attend school from home , especially those with underlying health conditions .

I have also directed the provision of face masks to all students in both private and public schools . The inconvenience and confusion experienced yesterday is highly regrettable and my sincere apologies to the parents and students so affected .

“ The quality and standard of education and well being of our children are issues that are very dear to my heart .

“ I appreciate the cooperation , support , resilience and understanding of all the people of Ogun State towards flattening the curve of COVID - 19 in Ogun State . It is my prayer that this phase will end soonest . ”