Breaking: North-west governors shut down schools for 30 days over coronavirus

To contain the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, Northwest Zone Governors Forum have converged in Kaduna and resolved to close down schools in the region for 30 days.

In a communique read by the Chairman of the Forum and Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, after a closed-door meeting with security chiefs at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Gov Masari said the decision to close down the schools became imperative to prevent the spread of COVID 19 disease across the northwest.

Governor Masari said the closure will take effect from Monday 23rd of March 2020, adding that the governors will meet with examination boards to discuss the school’s closure.

They also advised the general public to avoid unnecessary gatherings, urging them to maintain good respiratory hygiene.

Present at the meeting is the governors of Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States, while Kano deputy governor Nasiru Gawuna represented governor Umar Ganduje.

Kwara State joined in the resolution, though its governor was absent at the meeting.