By Seyi Babalola
The Oyo State Government has issued rules to guarantee that food handlers in public schools follow stringent hygiene measures to avoid infection.
Dr Nureni Adeniran, Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, made this known in instructions issued in Ibadan on Saturday.
He instructed principals to put in place measures to avoid cholera epidemics at the state’s public basic schools
The SUBEB boss said that the Oyo State government, through the board, “is on top of its game to ensure that public basic schools are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of students.”
Adeniran urged parents, guardians, as well as school authorities to adhere to safety guidelines.
He said the board would work with Education Secretaries, teachers and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.
The advisory emphasised the importance of hand hygiene, recommending that children carry hand sanitisers and frequently wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
Adeniran also suggested that schools carry Oral Rehydration Salt on hand in their clinics so that dehydration cases may be managed quickly.
He stated that schools should promptly inform the state emergency hotline, 615, in the event of a health emergency or suspected cholera cases.
Adeniran stated that other preventive measures, such as comprehensive health discussions on cholera prevention for students and staff, will be implemented on a regular basis, in addition to guaranteeing safe drinking habits.