Assessment of Compliance Level of Public Schools to Covid-19 Guidelines for Safe School Re-Opening and Learning in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VII, Issue III, March 2022 | ISSN 2454–6194

Assessment of Compliance Level of Public Schools to Covid-19 Guidelines for Safe School Re-Opening and Learning in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Daniel Peverga Dam*, Patricia Ali
Department of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi
*Corresponding Author

Abstract: Covid-19 Pandemic has affected educational activities world over including public schools in Nigeria. In a bid to ensure adequate preparedness of schools and learning facilities for safe reopening and resumption of academic activities without placing the health, safety and security of learners, teachers and others at risk, the Federal Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education Commission trained school heads, teachers and other education managers of basic schools across the country including Benue State, and implemented the national guidelines for safe reopening of schools and learning facilities. This study assesses the level of compliance by public schools in Makurdi Metropolis of Benue State. Data for the study was collected from public schools in the study area using physical observation and questionnaire, and analysed using descriptive statistics. The result of the study reveals that water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructures and practices in public schools in the study area fall short of the guidelines. The result also shows that majority of the schools are not complying with the guidelines as it was evident in non-compliance with social distancing of 2metres apart in classes, lack of platooning and alternate attendance. Based on the result, the study recommends for full compliance with the safe school reopening and learning guidelines for safety of both pupils and teachers.

Keywords: Covid-19 Pandemic, Public Schools, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Makurdi Metropolis

I. INTRODUCTION

Covid-19 is an infectious virus disease that is caused by a strain of SARS-CoV-2 which is referred to as the “coronavirus” or the “novel coronavirus”. The virus belongs to a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections which can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. It is transmitted from spread through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes in close contact with other people who then may breathe in the droplets or when the droplets from an infected person deposit on any material and people come in contact with such material immediately. Covid-19 affects the human lungs and airways with symptoms including cough, high temperature, and shortness/difficulty of breath. Currently, there isn’t any confirmed treatment for the Covid-19 disease as all medical efforts are currently aimed towards

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