The Kebbi State Government has directed the immediate shutdown of all public and private secondary schools across the state following escalating security threats that have heightened fear among residents.
The decision, announced on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi, also extends to several state-owned tertiary institutions, with the exception of the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi.
In a joint statement, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar-Tunga, said the measure was necessary to protect students and staff from emerging security risks.
“Our priority at this critical moment is the safety of our children,” Bande stated. “The closure of all secondary schools, public and private, is a precaution we cannot ignore, given the emerging security realities.”
The shutdown affects hundreds of secondary institutions—including day schools, boarding schools, and privately owned establishments—spanning all 21 local government areas of the state.
Parents had already raised concerns in the wake of recent attacks on communities and the reported abduction of schoolgirls in Maga, prompting heightened calls for government intervention.
Abubakar-Tunga noted that the directive followed strong security advisories.
“We cannot expose students to avoidable risks,” he said.
“All administrators of affected institutions must ensure immediate compliance. We will announce a new resumption date once the security situation improves.”
Among the tertiary institutions affected are 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.
Only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery in Birnin Kebbi will continue academic activities.
The commissioners urged school authorities, parents, and the general public to remain calm while security agencies intensify operations to restore normalcy across the state.
