Katsina and Plateau state governments have ordered the temporary closure of schools following a surge in banditry attacks on educational institutions across parts of the country.
Yusuf Jibia, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Katsina, announced the closure on Friday while addressing journalists in the state.
Jibia said the directive was aimed at safeguarding students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school safety strategy. He noted that the measure affects students currently sitting for examinations, stressing that protecting lives and property remains the government’s top priority.
He explained that normal academic activities would resume once security assessments are completed and adequate protective measures are put in place. The commissioner also urged parents, teachers, and residents to comply with the directive as officials continue to monitor the security situation.
In Plateau, Richard Jonah, Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), announced in a statement in Jos on Friday that government junior model secondary schools would close from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools would shut from Monday, November 24.
Jonah described the closure as a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential security threats and reassure communities that the state government prioritises the wellbeing of pupils and students.
He also advised local government education authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to comply fully with the directive and remain vigilant.
The decision by both states follows recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger, incidents that have heightened concerns among parents and authorities across the north-west.