The federal government alongside a number of states in the North have ordered the closure of schools following a surge in terrorist attacks targeting schools, Dockaysworld learnt.
Academic activities have slowed sharply across northern communities as authorities roll out sweeping safety measures in response to the rising wave of abductions.
The Federal Government on Friday ordered the closure of 41 unity schools after a rise in kidnapping incidents targeting learning institutions.
The directive, announced by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, listed the affected colleges as:
FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafanchan; FGGC Bakori; FTC Dayi; FGC Daura; FGGC Tambuwal; FSC Sokoto; FTC Wurno; FGC Gusau; FGC Anka; FGGC Gwandu; FGC Birnin Yauri; FTC Zuru; FGGC Kazaure; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New-Bussa; FTC Kuta-Shiroro; FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu-Aran; FTC Gwanara; FGC Ugwolawo; FGGC Kabba; FTC Ogugu; FGGC Bwari; FGC Rubochi; FGGC Abaji; FGGC Potiskum; FGC Buni Yadi; FTC Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Biliri; and FTC Zambuk.
In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas directed all public and private secondary schools to immediately deboard their students.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, said the decision followed the rising targeting of boarding students nationwide, referencing the recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger.
She added that all secondary schools must now operate strictly as day schools as a precautionary measure.
The Niger State Government similarly ordered the temporary shutdown of all boarding schools in the Niger North Senatorial District.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman said the move was to forestall security threats following the attack on St Mary’s school.
In Kwara State, schools across four local government areas; Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun and Ekiti, were closed following heightened security concerns.
Recall the state is still reeling from the aftermath of the CAC church attack for which terrorists have demanded about 3.6 billion in ransom.Â
The Nigeria Union of Teachers confirmed the action in a statement signed by its state chairman, Yusuf Agboola.
Plateau State also suspended academic activities in all basic schools. The Public Relations Officer of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Richard Jonah, confirmed the directive, explaining that the government was acting to prevent potential attacks similar to those recorded in other states.
Across Katsina, the state government ordered the closure of all public schools as communities continued to deal with repeated bandit incursions.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, said the measure was necessary despite ongoing examinations, emphasising that protecting lives outweighed every other concern.
In Benue State, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Akuma Terna, disclosed that around 50 public schools had been shut as insecurity persisted in several areas.
Officials across the affected states stressed that the closures were temporary but urgent steps aimed at protecting students as security agencies intensify efforts to stabilise the region.
