by Kolapo Olapoju

In compliance with the directive of the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government has directed all schools to resume on 22 September.

According to a release issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Mr Lateef Raji, in Ikeja on Friday, 12 September, the Lagos state government says that it believes a further postponement of the resumption date was no longer necessary.

It said the major factor behind the initial postponement, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), had been significantly contained as there was no carrier in the state at the moment, adding that the last individual suspected to have been exposed to the virus was expected to be discharged from observation on 18 September, if tests results return negative.

The release said, “Considering the current report , it is clear that the risk of infection with the EVD in the state has been significantly reduced. Health professionals working on the outbreak are also in agreement that there was no reason why schools should be closed beyond 22 September.”

“In spite of the foregoing, the state government has now developed and will deploy all resources necessary to sustain the capacity to promptly take into custody any person suspected to be infected with EVD. It will as well safely test, monitor and isolate such a person for treatment as may be found necessary without endangering other members of the public,” it added.

The statement said government was putting in place measures to ensure the threat of the virus was eliminated in schools and that members of the public would be notified if there was a need to review the resumption date.

Lagos residents were also urged to be vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of the Ebola virus disease.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has countered the Federal government on the issue of school resumption, saying it was too soon for students to go back to school, till the country is completely in the clear , from the Ebola virus disease.

Kolapo Olapoju