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“Stop Using COVID as an Excuse”: FG Clarifies Status of School Excursions as Parents Protest Cancellations

Education Desk

ABUJA — The Federal Government has moved to clear the air regarding the wave of school excursion cancellations sweeping across the country, stating categorically that “there is no standing COVID-19 restriction” on outdoor learning in 2026.

The clarification comes as parents in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt complain that school authorities are citing “NCDC COVID Protocols” to cancel scheduled field trips, despite charging excursion fees in the term’s bill.

Sources at the Federal Ministry of Education confirmed to nuus.ng on Tuesday that the “COVID-19 Emergency” status was officially lifted years ago, and any school citing it today is either “ill-informed or being mischievous.”

The Federal Ministry of Education advises parents to demand the specific “Circular Number” from any school claiming a government ban on excursions. “If they say it is COVID, they are lying,” a senior Director at the Ministry told nuus.ng. “If it is security or Lassa Fever, that is a valid discretionary safety measure—but they must be transparent about it.”

If Not COVID, Then What?

While the COVID ban is a myth, the Ministry and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have highlighted three real reasons why excursions might be restricted in specific areas this February.

1. The Lassa Fever “Red Alert” The NCDC issued a fresh Public Health Advisory this week (February 16, 2026) following a spike in Lassa Fever cases that claimed the lives of two health workers.

  • The Reality: Schools in high-burden states (Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Benue) have been advised to limit “unnecessary gatherings” or visits to rural areas where the mastomys rat (the vector) breeds.
  • The Difference: This is a voluntary caution, not a mandatory federal ban.

2. The Security “No-Go” Zones In the North Central region, specifically Niger State, the government has suspended certain school activities, but this is due to banditry, not a virus.

  • The Context: The Niger State Private Schools Board issued a directive in January 2026 suspending resumption and outdoor activities in vulnerable LGAs to prevent mass abductions.

3. The “Sign-Out” Ban (Oyo State) In the South West, the Oyo State Government has officially banned “Sign-Out” celebrations and street processions for final-year students.

  • The Reason: Commissioner for Education, Olusegun Olayiwola, cited rising violence and “immoral conduct,” not health concerns.

The “SS3 Transfer” Ban

The Ministry also reminded the public that the only new nationwide educational ban in 2026 is the prohibition of student transfers into SS3.

  • The Rule: To curb exam malpractice and the use of “miracle centers,” no student can be admitted directly into the final year class for the 2026/2027 session.

Lagos State: Business as Usual

In Lagos, the state government is proceeding with normal academic activities. On February 4, 2026, the Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) presented approval letters to 76 new private schools, signaling that the sector is fully open.

  • The Verdict: Lagos schools have no regulatory basis to cancel excursions within the metropolis unless they are avoiding costs.

What Parents Should Do

The Federal Ministry of Education advises parents to demand the specific “Circular Number” from any school claiming a government ban on excursions. “If they say it is COVID, they are lying,” a senior Director at the Ministry told nuus.ng. “If it is security or Lassa Fever, that is a valid discretionary safety measure—but they must be transparent about it.”