👤 Abdul Tukur, DENISAURUS News

The government of Ogun State is to bear the cost of the coronavirus test taken by final year pupils, who are to return to school this month.

(Senior Secondary School) SS3 students in Ogun state are to return to the classroom on August 17, for them to sit their West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSECE.

DENISAURUS News understands that there are over 3,000 SS3 students in privates boarding school and 500 in state boarding school, who are expected to be tested for COVID-19.

But, in a statement seen by this paper, the Governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun said “it may not be feasible for all boarding students to get tested and get their test prior to resumption or even exams which commence on 17th August 2020.

“Consequently,” he explained that “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 (PTA) of such private schools.”

He said that those SS3 students who will have the coronavirus test done in this period, will get it for free, which is in-line “guidelines that would ensure that our students resume in a safe environment.”

Four new cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Ogun State today. A total of 44,129 case have been confirmed in Nigeria, with 20,663 people discharged and 896 deaths.

The press statement signed by the governor says that “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.”

Governor Abiodun apologised to parents who thought they would have to pay for the test for themselves.

He said: “the inconvenience and confusion experienced yesterday is highly regrettable and my sincere apologies to the parents and students so affected.

He directed that all who have paid to have the test done “be refunded.”

“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.”