Edo schools are set to resume regular five-day, in-classroom learning on September 11th, welcoming students back

Mrs. Ozavize Salami, the Chairman of EDO State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), has announced the resumption of public primary and junior secondary schools across Edo State to a five-day school week starting on Monday, September 11, 2023, as academic activities recommence.

The Chairman stated that all public primary and junior secondary schools will initiate in-person classroom instruction starting from the first day of resumption.

She explained, "Aligned with the academic calendar issued by the State Ministry of Education for the 2023-2024 academic session, all public primary and junior secondary schools will resume in-person classroom instruction on the first day of school, which falls on Monday, September 11, 2023.

"As a response to the State Government's initiative to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the populace, SUBEB introduced a hybrid school program in June 2023. This program combined three days of in-class learning with two days of remote learning. This was made possible due to the State's continuous investment in the EdoBEST@Home program, which has proven its worth during challenging times.

"The effectiveness of the two days of remote learning was further enhanced by the distribution of individual homework books to all basic education students, a contribution by the Executive Governor as part of the EdoBEST program. It was complemented by a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system administered by trained field officers."

Salami further emphasized that the return to a five-day in-classroom learning week in the upcoming session is aimed at reinstating the essential teacher-pupil interaction time, standardizing in-person support for students during their learning process, and ultimately enhancing educational achievements. Comprehensive measures have been established to ensure a seamless transition back to full in-person learning.

"Last semester, we adhered to the three-day learning week, as directed by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, as a measure to provide relief for our educators and leaders in the education sector. However, starting from this semester, we will be resuming the traditional five-day school week. It's important for parents and guardians to be aware that, with the reinstatement of the five-day school week, the closing time for both primary and junior secondary schools will revert to 2.45 pm," she explained.

She continued, "In our commitment to accelerating foundational literacy and numeracy, the EdoBEST program will implement a new, well-planned intervention program for all students identified as falling behind in their expected learning outcomes based on their performance in the previous academic session. These identified students will undergo a baseline assessment to determine their competency levels and appropriate intervention placement."

"Throughout the upcoming term, we are set to provide a grand total of more than 400 new classrooms, over 9,360 pieces of furniture for both students and teachers, a minimum of 174 restroom facilities, 41 water supply projects, and 14,850 meters of fencing to be installed in 336 schools. These initiatives will directly benefit and positively impact over 72,000 pupils."

"We urge parents and guardians to permit their children and wards to return to school during the initial week, as all necessary preparations have been made to welcome them and kickstart learning on the very first day of school. As per tradition, early resuming parents and pupils will be entitled to complimentary eye examinations and free reading glasses, continuing the Board's established practice."