There is no doubt that there are genuine reasons why schools should be closed in Nigeria. In fact, I agree with many of the arguments that people have made to defend this. However, there are many factors that must be considered before we conclude the matter. I'll just itemise them:

1. Covid-19 has no cure or vaccine and even if one comes up tomorrow, it'll realistically take more than 3 years to reach up to 30% of the Nigerian population. Corona is here to stay. There's no future utopia where the virus magically disappears.

2. Social distancing doesn't work in Nigeria. I don't know about your location but in mine, people go about their normal lives and there's nothing anyone can do about it. The children are still playing with their mates every day. Parents go to work and markets and may likely import the virus to their homes.

3. Children still go to churches or mosques (which are open in most places). Religious and social gatherings are known super spreaders of the virus.

4. So far, children are nowhere near vulnerable as far as Covid-19 is concerned. While this argument can be upended, it is a strong factor nonetheless. Children are not so much in danger as their teachers and the teachers are mature enough to protect themselves adequately.

5. Students in public schools in remote and riverine areas are struggling and therefore may face certain learning challenges if they stay out of school for too long. Many may lose interest in schools altogether. I have been to these places and I know how averse they are to education. Many simply go to school because their mates are going. Should they stay home for long periods, they may likely never resume whenever schools open (which, going by the logic of some concerns, can take more than 2 years).

6. Private school teachers have not been paid for months because, unlike the public sector, they have to work before they are paid. Furthermore, many of them have been organising lessons for miserly wages (this also contradicts why schools should be closed). Indeed, many of those who want schools to remain closed have means of educating their children effectively, forgetting the fisherman's child in Oporoza who either goes to school or hunts for bait worms.

7. Once again, corona is here to stay. There are many workarounds that can be easily adopted to curtail populated classrooms. We must either accept the reality of Covid-19 or simply all remain at home - no markets, malls, churches, mosques, work etc because no one is better or worse than schools as far as the virus is concerned. If you can afford homeschooling or online learning for your children, you should definitely go for it. However, what is good for Bernard is not necessarily good for Benetutukayo and it is nobody's fault that we have an irresponsible government that can't provide adequate infrastructure for times like this.

I am a realist in matters like this but there are factors that policy makers must consider even if schools must remain closed. Until the factors are appropriately pictured, we may be doing more harm due to our inability to see the wider picture. There are reasons why the lockdown didn't last in Nigeria. These are the same reasons why schools can't remain closed indefinitely.

Cc:
Seun, lalasticlala

These politicians know those things you listed but many of them are cashing out big time from the Covidpreneurship.

as u see me so, I don fed up on this Shithole
and Corona patapataa.. sincerely, they open, they no open, na them sabi ...

And if they open, hope u remember none of their children sch here, it means we are experimenting with our dear lives.. so no still complain if there occurs a bad effect...

I gave up on this country, since the day I wrote 1 exam and 2 different results came out .. that is higher institution hoo..

No be only politician get problem for this corntree, na almost everyone...

The politicians there are just demonstrating what almost every Nigerian go do, when they are chansed with power..

Me I cannot come and kill my self.. they open, they no open hoo.. laslas, I go dey alright .
Shallom

Our government is gaining from this pandemic, why would they listen to you?

Points 2,3 and 6, especially are what anybody can't deny. Their lockdown has overstay it's necessity. It's now their business of selfishness.

God help us

Na them know, all i knw is this government doesnt like the common man. If you think they do wait till during Edo and Ondo state election, you would be shocked at their level of welfare for a common man. You are all going to learn but in a hard way.

Hmm op run the covik one nine ambassadors are coming for your head

Your points are precise and ept,void of any emotional or insulting outburst that nairaland posts are known for. Good work.

These are recent photos from a private lesson somewhere in the South (a very rural community). I know many of us have seen similar stuffs too across the country. Some do it at the street level. Lessons have been going on like this for months now and no child has died. Where are the fears coming from exactly?

I don't blame those organising the lessons because they have to survive. However, the government has to realise that they can't stop private lessons like this from holding and if they do hold, it defeats their mantra of protecting children from exposure. They may protect the children better if schools are open with better precautions.