Varsities, colleges to resume in-person learning from Monday

Final-year students in universities, teachers’ training colleges and vocational schools will resume in-person classes on October 5, the Education minister has announced. 

Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha said on Tuesday that the ministry has begun rolling out phased reopening of schools, starting with examination classes in tertiary institutions.

“Pursuant to the presidential directives issued during the twelfth presidential address to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic and following broad-based stakeholders’ consultations, the Ministry of Education will commence with the reopening of universities and tertiary institutions with effect from Monday October 5, 2020,” said Prof Magoha.

The CS also allowed university councils and their senates to decide and announce in-person learning for students in other academic years in their respective institutions based on their own consideration, giving priority to those undertaking science-based courses.

Prof Magoha further said boards of teachers’ training colleges and technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions will announce resumption dates for in-person learning for the other classes, with priority being accorded to students undertaking practical courses.

“Safe resumption of in-person learning in all universities and tertiary institutions requires utmost fidelity to the Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols and guidelines,” he said.

Prof Magoha also said colleges and universities that had been designated as quarantine centres must be fumigated under the supervision health officials before they reopen.

“All learning institutions shall provide psychological and spiritual support to learners and staff during the current pandemic,” the CS said.

Prof Magoha asked the institutions’ councils, boards, vice-chancellors and principals to ensure full compliance with the guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health, failing which they will be closed for breaching the protocols and guidelines.

He said education officials alongside public health officers will continuously monitor and review the levels of compliance with respect to Covid-19 measures.