By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

The Lagos State government has said the closure of two private schools in Lekki was not done by the government but by the schools as proactive measure against COVID-19.

A statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Education Mr. Ganiu Lawal noted that the closure of Standard Bearer Secondary School and Lagoon Girls Secondary School, both in Lekki, did not emanate from the government, but preemptive measures by the schools themselves because of a COVID-19 case by a parent.

The statement reads: “Lagos State Government and its agencies did not order the closure of any school due to Covid-19, contrary to a media report. The reported closure of two private schools in Lekki did not follow a directive from the government, as speculated in the media.

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“Preliminary finding by the Lagos State Ministry of Education, according to the Hon. Commissioner for Education Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, revealed that the closure of the two schools was a decision of the school proprietors to pre-empt the likelihood of further spread of a reported Covid-19 case by a parent at Standard Bearer Secondary School, Lekki.

“However, the ministry has contacted the management of both Lagoon Girls Secondary School and Standard Bearer Secondary School in Lekki and the schools confirmed the closure as a proactive measure. The school owners further revealed that learning will continue online, until the coast is clear that students and staff of the schools will be safe to have physical contact.”

“The commissioner advised proprietors to adhere strictly to COVID-19 preventive measures to ensure safety of students and staff. Parents are urged to remain vigilant to ensure that the state government’s efforts at reducing negative effect of Covid-19 are not fruitless.”