Schools in select safe areas of Niger State resumed academic activities on Monday, January 12, 2026, following a government directive aimed at balancing education continuity with heightened security risks.
The partial reopening comes weeks after mass student abductions in November 2025 prompted a statewide shutdown, affecting thousands of learners.
The Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education announced that only public and private schools, including boarding facilities, in secure zones would reopen.
Specifically, the initiative covers four local government areas (LGAs): Bida, Suleja, Chanchaga, and parts of Bosso, out of the state’s 25 LGAs.
Commissioner Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed emphasized that this is part of a phased approach, with schools in unsafe areas remaining closed until cleared by security agencies.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago approved the move after extensive consultations with security stakeholders, underscoring the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives.
Out of 45 boarding schools statewide, only 18 in the approved LGAs have been cleared for resumption, primarily those in urban centers rather than outskirts vulnerable to banditry.
The decision follows a joint assessment by the ministry, local authorities, and security forces, with a detailed list of approved schools released for transparency.
Dr. Mohammed stated, “We cannot reopen all schools at once due to the security challenges facing Niger State. We will continue in phases, starting with these cleared areas.”
Parents and educators have welcomed the resumption but expressed mixed feelings about overall safety. In interviews, some Minna residents voiced concerns over potential risks, urging enhanced patrols around school premises.
Education experts highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent disruptions.
The abductions last year, which saw over 100 students kidnapped in Niger and neighboring states, exposed vulnerabilities in rural education infrastructure.
Officials say the phased strategy will allow for adaptive measures, with future reopenings dependent on improved security.
As classes resume in the designated areas, the government has called on communities to report suspicious activities, aiming to restore normalcy while prioritizing student welfare in one of Nigeria’s most insecurity-plagued regions.
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