Northern Nigeria Closes Schools Amid Escalating Security Threats

As of November 24, 2025, Nigeria faces one of the largest coordinated school shutdowns in recent history, prompted by a surge in security threats and mass abductions targeting educational institutions in the northern and north-central regions.

In response, both the federal government and several state authorities have ordered the closure of thousands of schools across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, with measures primarily affecting boarding schools. Reopening remains contingent on security assessments.

Federal Government Measures
The Federal Ministry of Education issued a directive on November 21, 2025, mandating the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) nationwide. These prestigious boarding secondary schools, mostly in northern and north-central states, typically accommodate 1,000–2,000 students each. The directive, signed by Director Binta Abdulkadir, applies immediately, with southern schools exempt unless local security concerns arise. Schools have transitioned to remote learning where feasible. Among the affected Unity Schools are:
• FGGC Minjibir, Kano; FGA Suleja, Niger; FTC Ganduje, Kano
• FGGC Zaria, Kaduna; FTC Kafanchan, Kaduna; FGGC Bakori, Katsina
• FGC Daura, Katsina; FGGC Tambuwal, Sokoto; FSC Sokoto
• FTC Wurno, Sokoto; FGC Gusau, Zamfara; FGGC Gwandu, Kebbi
• FGC Birnin Yauri, Kebbi; FTC Zuru, Kebbi; FGGC Kazaure, Jigawa
• FGC Kiyawa, Jigawa; FTC Hadejia, Jigawa; FGGC Bida, Niger
• FGC New Bussa, Niger; FTC Kuta-Shiroro, Niger; FGC Ilorin, Kwara
• FGGC Omu-Aran, Kwara; FGC Ugwolawo, Kogi; FGGC Kabba, Kogi
• FTC Ogugu, Benue; FGGC Bwari, FCT Abuja; FGC Rubochi, FCT Abuja
• FGGC Abaji, FCT Abuja; FGGC Potiskum, Yobe; FGC Buni Yadi, Yobe
• FTC Gashua, Yobe; FTC Michika, Adamawa; FGC Ganye, Adamawa
• FGC Azare, Bauchi; FTC Misau, Bauchi; FGGC Bajoga, Gombe
• FGC Billiri, Gombe; FTC Zambuk, Gombe

These schools, which typically house 1,000–2,000 students each, have shifted to remote learning where possible, with reopening tied to security clearances.

State-Level Closures

Bauchi State
All primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions both public, federal-owned, and private were closed with immediate effect following consultations on November 22, 2025. This encompasses over 5,000 schools statewide, affecting an estimated 2 million students. No specific exemptions; tertiary includes universities like Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University affiliates in vulnerable areas.

Katsina State
All public primary and secondary schools, including boarding facilities, shut down immediately on November 21, 2025. The directive from Commissioner Yusuf Suleman Jibia covers public, private, and community schools, impacting around 3,000 institutions. Duration: Until security stabilizes for safe resumption.

Kebbi State
All public and private secondary schools, plus most tertiary institutions, closed on November 22, 2025. Exemptions apply to the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi. Affected tertiaries include:

• Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari
• Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero
• College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega
• Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu
• School of Remedial Studies, Yauri
  This affects over 1,500 secondary schools and key higher education centers.

Kwara State
Schools in four local government areas: Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti were closed on November 19, 2025, per instructions from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development. Covers all primary and secondary levels, public and private, in Kwara South, impacting approximately 500 schools. Announced via the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) branch.

Niger State
All public and private primary and secondary schools closed on November 22, 2025, including missionary, Islamic, and federal colleges like FGC Minna. Tertiary institutions are unaffected except in vulnerable Niger North and East senatorial districts. This statewide measure covers over 4,000 schools.

Taraba State
All public and private secondary schools with boarding facilities deboarded students immediately on November 22, 2025, shifting to day-school operations. Approved by Governor Agbu Kefas after a security review; affects boarding sections across the state, sparing day schools.

Yobe State
All boarding secondary schools closed immediately in mid-November 2025 as a proactive measure. Includes federal institutions like those in the Unity Schools list above; state-run boardings also impacted, totaling around 200 facilities.

Adamawa State
Boarding secondary schools closed in mid-November 2025, focusing on high-risk areas. Specifics align with federal Unity Schools in the state, such as FTC Michika and FGC Ganye; no full primary/tertiary shutdown.

Plateau State (North-Central Addition)
All Government Junior Model Secondary Schools closed effective November 22, 2025; primary and day schools effective November 24, 2025. Covers public institutions primarily, with private schools encouraged to follow suit.

These closures disrupt education for millions, prompting federal coordination for alternative learning via radio and digital platforms. State education ministries continue monitoring, with reopenings contingent on joint security evaluations. For the latest updates, check official ministry announcements.