NANS to set up COVID-19 task force in varsities ahead of resumption

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has ordered its chapters nationwide to set up COVID-19 task forces across universities to ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.

Victor Essien, the press director of the student body, confirmed this to TheCable Lifestyle on Tuesday.

He said they will work with guidelines given by the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 to ensure the safe reopening of schools.

“It’s all in line with plans to make our institutions safe for the resumption of academic activities. So we’re putting in efforts in our own little way to ensure the safety of students who will be returning to campuses,” Essien explained.

“They’re to make sure that the presidential task force (PTF) guidelines as regards the containment of the virus are followed to the latter. We will be ensuring their enforcement around campuses and off-campus.

“We will be doing lots of monitoring to make sure guidelines are enforced. Concerns about reopening schools are very genuine but, if safety protocols are being followed, we see no reason why campuses can’t resume.”

In December, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had suspended its protracted strike after a series of negotiations with the government over the non-implementation of previous agreements between both parties.

But it warned it is unsafe to resume due to “inadequate measures” put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The PTF on COVID-19 had asked varsities to remain closed till January 18 to curb the spike in COVID-19 cases.