The Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) yesterday expressed support for Federal Government's directive that primary and post-primary schools across the country could be re opened on Monday, September 22, this year.

In a statement jointly signed statement issued in Ilorin by the two officers of the association- its National Chairman, Prof Tanimola Akande, and Dr. Sunday Aderibigbe, APHPN said only an ongoing and uncontrolled transmission of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) could be enough justification for the closure of the schools.

The body, while lauding the effective control of the disease in Nigeria, however, warned against any laxity that could lead to new case of the deadly virus in any part of Nigeria.

The APHPN said: "It should be noted that there is no evidence of an ongoing and uncontrolled transmission of the EVD in Nigerian communities. Nigeria has managed to control the epidemic.

"Therefore, we wish to reassure parents, teachers and students that the risk of Ebola outbreak in our schools is very minimal (if any).

"However, all are encouraged to maintain vigilance and to do all possible to provide better infrastructure in the schools.