Following the new directive on Monday June 1 across the nation on the continuous shutdown of schools in Lagos states to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, students in Lagos have decried their current lack of interest in reading and studying as shutdown persist.
The Presidential Taskforce (PTF) made the announcement on Monday June 1 that all schools would remain closed as have been since March 20th until further evaluation as precautionary measures to curtailing the spread of the virus.
In a vox populi LagosToday conducted Tuesday June 2, some students residing in Lagos have frowned at the decision while parents are unperturbed so long their wards are safe and alive with them at home.
Amazing Ajanah is a 400 level student of Nursing from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Although she was thrilled initially when the lockdown began in March, she is whacked out now.
“When the lockdown started, I assumed it would last for a few weeks so I took a few notes home. I was enjoying it initially because I love being with my family. But now it’s too much,” she expressed.
Consequently, she says her interest for reading has dwindled. “Because of this I don’t have the drive to read or study I guess that happens when you are home. I do other non-educational activities. Even my plans to do online learning didn’t work out”.
Ajanah noted that exams were supposed to start in May but that has been postponed. “Our lecturers are going to rush us to be able to balance the school calendar when school finally resumes.
She expressed worries: “There might probably be three semesters in a year because nearly three months have already been spent away from school”.
Notwithstanding, the nursing student pleads for reopening. “I miss being around people, studying, going out, communicating with friends and all.”
For Michael Chukwu, a 100-Level Medical Student of Ambrose Alli University, he is missing lectures, new friends and course mates, and his school environment.
He emphasised: “I want to go back to school. This continuous lockdown is boring. It will cause academic delay to students and it’s not nice. I’m really wishing schools open very soon; missing everything.”
Abigail Kanu is a 200 Level student of Nutrition and Dietetics from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, she is not only fed up of staying at home, her enthusiasm for reading has been crushed.
“I don’t really like staying at home when I should be in school studying. It is as if the vibes for reading has died,” she said.
While these students among others thirst to return to school, a mother, Mrs. Amina, noted that if schools reopened right now, “I won’t allow my kids go yet. Children cannot maintain social distancing in anyway.
But this father, Mr. Paul Madukwe, does not share in her opinion. He is a father of one – a two-year old. He can’t wait to take him back to school.
His words: “Please, my son needs to attend his daycare to allow me do other things. Yes, as a father, I have been bonding very well with him in this lockdown. But I need to attend to other things.”
Madukwe is among a handful of fathers and mothers who are not pleased with the new directive of the government on the continuous lockdown of all schools in Lagos and across the nation despite its reasons.
