The Kebbi State Government has ordered all public and private secondary schools across the state to shut down immediately due to escalating security concerns, marking one of the most extensive education sector closures in recent years.
The directive also extends to state-owned tertiary institutions, except for the College of Nursing Sciences in Birnin Kebbi.
The decision was announced in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar-Tunga.
Bande explained that the move became necessary to protect students and staff in light of the recent troubling incidents of attacks in some parts of the state.
“Our priority at this critical moment is the safety of our children.
“The closure of all secondary schools, public and private, is a precaution we cannot ignore, given the emerging security realities,” she said.
The shutdown affects hundreds of secondary schools, including government day schools, boarding schools, and privately owned institutions across all 21 local government areas.
Many parents had already expressed anxiety following recent attacks on communities and the abduction of schoolgirls in Maga.
Abubakar-Tunga explained that the state government was acting on security recommendations.
“We cannot expose students to avoidable risks.
“All administrators of affected institutions must ensure immediate compliance.
“We will announce a new resumption date once the security situation improves,” he said.
The tertiary institutions listed for closure 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; and the School of Remedial Studies, Yauri.
The commissioners clarified that only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi, will remain open.
They urged school authorities and the public to remain calm and cooperate with government directives while security agencies intensify operations across the state.
