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The Niger State government has announced that some selected public and private schools in the state will resume academic activities on Monday, January 12, 2026, months after schools across the state were shut over security concerns.
The approval followed security assessments carried out by the state government in collaboration with security agencies, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Only schools in safe, secure locations will be permitted to resume academic operations, according to the ministry.
The ministry said Governor Umaru Bago approved it as part of efforts to ensure continuity of education while prioritising the safety of students, teachers, and school communities.
It noted that an adequate security presence will be maintained on and around school premises, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure a safe learning environment.
The ministry said it would publish the list of approved public and private schools on Monday, January 12, 2026, to promote transparency and effective coordination.
It added that schools cleared to resume are required to register all returning students immediately and submit comprehensive enrolment data to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week of resumption.
The ministry also directed Local Government Area Chairmen to ensure full compliance and provide necessary support within their jurisdictions.
The Niger State Government thanked parents, school administrators, and members of the public for their patience and cooperation during the school closure, reiterating that the safety of students and teachers remains its top priority.
It also urged stakeholders to comply strictly with the outlined directives in the interest of peace, safety, and sustainable educational development in the state.
Recall that in November 2025, Governor Bago ordered the immediate closure of all schools across the state following a terrorist attack on St Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School, after a high-level security meeting with heads of security agencies at the Government House.
More than 300 pupils and teachers were abducted during the attack on the school, located in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Following the incident, the governor directed all missionary, Islamic, and tertiary institutions in the state to shut down until further notice.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi State government has directed all public and private primary and secondary schools to reopen for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session, effective Monday, January 5, 2026.
The directive was announced on Friday in separate statements jointly signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Isah Ibrahim, and the Deputy Director (Academics) at the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, Aliyu Bagarawa.
The decision, according to the statements, is a part of the state government’s commitment to upholding a steady, uninterrupted academic calendar after the first term is successfully concluded.
“All school administrators, education secretaries, principals, head teachers, teachers, parents and students are hereby requested to take note of this directive and ensure strict compliance,” the statement partly read.
To ensure a seamless start to academic activities in both urban and rural parts of the state, the government emphasised the need for adequate preparations prior to resumption.
Parents and guardians were advised to ensure their children and wards return to school as soon as possible, while school administrators were instructed to take all necessary steps, including ensuring staff and facilities are prepared.
The state government warned that all schools must strictly adhere to the approved resumption timetable and examination schedule.
Recall that after armed bandits kidnapped 24 students in Maga village, the state government had previously ordered the closure of all public and private schools.
