The Borno State Government has requested firm security assurances from the military and community leaders as it prepares to reopen seven schools previously closed because of insecurity in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, made the appeal during a stakeholder meeting held in the two local government areas.
Wakilbe stressed that the safety of pupils, students and teachers remained a top priority, saying adequate security measures must be put in place before the affected schools can resume academic activities.
During the engagement, the commissioner met with commanders of the 28 Task Force Brigade in Chibok and the 115 Task Force Battalion in Askira-Uba. The military authorities assured him of their commitment to protecting the schools and surrounding communities.
He also met with the Emirs of Askira and Uba, local government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders, urging them to support the Safe School Initiative and encourage parents to return their children to school.
At town-hall meetings in Lassa, Dille and Chul, stakeholders discussed community-led school safety, early reporting of security threats and stronger collaboration between communities, education authorities and security agencies.
Wakilbe later met with education secretaries, head teachers and principals of the affected schools and directed them to prepare for resumption once security arrangements are confirmed.
The affected schools were shut following attacks on Mussa, Kautikari and Lassa communities.
