Arising from the heavy backlash over the directive from Ogun state government that all private school students resuming for their terminal examinations should pay N25,000 to have COVID-19 test at government test centres, the state government has reversed its decision, Emerald News can report.
On Sunday the report went viral where parents protested against the directive to parents of private school students to pay the sum for the test for their children. The report says many parents and their children were turned back from the gate to the centre with the directive to pay N25,000 so as to gain access to the centre.
Parents complained bitterly against the government, even members of the public outside Ogun state attacked the government, where some said it was wicked of the Ogun state government to make ungodly demands on parents who are being hit by the impact of the deadly coronavirus pandemic in the country.
But on Monday, August 3, 2020 evening, the governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made a reversed gear, directing that all students whether private or public should be tested for COVID-19 of charge. He added that those who have paid should refunded their money.
He also said COVID-19 test is now abolished as a requirement for admission into the school hostels, adding that admission into the school hostels should now be at the discretion of the school proprietors.
He, however, said facemasks will be provided for all students whether private or public.
