Collecting information about ethnicity or religious beliefs is generally prohibited in France under the country's anti-discrimination laws.

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi says the storm affected 29 schools in the national capital.

It says its stand will not change even in the event of government action against it.

The Chinese education group warns against the escalation of racial issues for political mileage.

The wing's chief proposes that Chinese independent schools facing financial problems be absorbed into the national school system.

Armed gangs operating mostly in remote parts of northwest Nigeria have carried out violent attacks against villagers, schools and motorists, abducting hundreds for ransom.

Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying says schools will be told to close in the event of an API reading of 200 and above.

This will be observed at schools under the education ministry throughout the country.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says the current increase in cases and clusters follows the reopening of schools in mid-March.

The deputy prime minister says the scheme will rely on the private financing initiative and collaboration with financial institutions.

Over a thousand girls in different schools have suffered 'mild poison' attacks, and officials, with some politicians suggesting they could have been targeted by religious groups opposed to girls' education.

The education minister says the government is bound by the National Education Policy.