The Edo State Government has approved the reopening of schools in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area that were temporarily closed following security concerns linked to alleged plans to attack educational institutions in the area.
The decision was announced in a circular issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
According to Otamere, the approval followed a thorough assessment of the security situation by relevant agencies and stakeholders, with authorities satisfied that adequate measures had been put in place to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel.
“Following the implementation of enhanced security measures and the deployment of additional safety mechanisms across the affected communities and schools, the government is satisfied that necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of learners, teachers, and other school personnel.
“All public and private schools affected by the earlier circular are to resume normal academic and administrative activities, with effect from Monday, June 15, 2026,” he added.
School administrators, proprietors, and education officials were directed to prepare for the safe return of students and staff, while maintaining close cooperation with security agencies, community leaders, and government representatives.
Otamere assured parents and guardians that comprehensive security arrangements had been deployed to safeguard the affected schools.
“The government remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to monitor developments closely while taking all necessary steps to safeguard the education sector,” he stated.
He also encouraged parents to ensure their children return to school promptly to continue their studies.
The schools had been shut after intelligence reports suggested an imminent threat to students, staff, and host communities. The closure affected institutions including Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
The action followed security alerts, including reports attributed to the Department of State Services, warning of an alleged plot by suspected bandits to abduct schoolchildren in parts of Edo North Senatorial District.
Authorities had earlier suspended academic activities as a precaution, while candidates writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) completed their papers under special security arrangements.
With the latest directive, regular academic activities are expected to resume on Monday as the government maintains that the security situation has improved.
