Several public and private schools in security-affected areas of Niger State will remain closed, even as the state government has approved the reopening of schools in locations deemed safe from January 12, 2026.
The Niger State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, disclosed this in a press statement, explaining that only schools situated in areas assessed as safe and secure are permitted to resume academic activities. Schools in communities considered unsafe will remain closed until cleared by security agencies.
She said the decision followed security assessments and consultations with relevant security authorities, with the aim of safeguarding students, teachers and school communities amid persistent insecurity in parts of the state.
Under the directive, all public and private day and boarding schools in safe areas are to reopen on Monday, January 12. However, both day and boarding schools located in insecurity-affected areas are to remain shut pending further notice.
The ministry noted that schools in affected communities will only be allowed to reopen after fresh assessments and formal clearance by security agencies, without providing a specific timeline.
As part of the reopening process, school authorities in approved areas have been directed to immediately register all returning students and submit the data to the ministry within one week of resumption for monitoring and documentation purposes.
Local government area chairmen were also instructed to support the reopening by ensuring adequate security in and around school premises in collaboration with security agencies.
To promote transparency, the ministry said it will publish an official list of public and private schools approved to reopen on January 12.
