Virus precautions as Nigeria pupils return to school

Students in Nigeria have resumed their classes with a much different learning environment since the coronavirus pandemic.

The usually overcrowded classrooms in most Nigerian public schools now have no more than about 20 students in a class that would normally have seated more than double that.

"We've instructed teachers to ensure that they keep their social distance from students. It is usually hard for teachers cause there's a certain level of physical interaction that you want but in this case, this is an emergency." Folasade Adefisayo, Commissioner of Education, Lagos State told the Associated Press.

The Education board and health authority has put measures in place for the opening of schools safely, starting off with the guidelines developed for all schools which includes public and private schools by introducing wash basins with running water and soap and taking students' temperatures every day before school.

"I am sure with all these put in place, I would go home safe the way I came to." Says 17-year-old Fadilullahi Adeniyi.

However, for some students it's a mixed feeling concerning having to attend in-person classes.

"Now that we have resumed school, I feel very happy and fulfilled even though the fear of contracting the virus is still there." Rasheedat Hungbo said.

The education sector, like the rest of the economy, has suffered severe blows due to the coronavirus pandemic.