Kebbi Orders Statewide School Shutdown over Escalating Security Concerns

Kebbi State has shut all public and private secondary schools, as well as most state-owned tertiary institutions, in an unprecedented move prompted by growing security threats across the state.

The government said it approved the shutdown to protect pupils, teachers, and administrators following a series of attacks on communities, including the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Maga.

Only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi, will remain open.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar-Tunga, announced the decision in a joint statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Bande said the government could not ignore the “disturbing incidents” recorded in recent weeks.

“Our priority at this critical moment is the safety of our children. The closure of all secondary schools is a precaution we cannot overlook, given the emerging security realities,” she said.

The directive affects hundreds of day and boarding schools across all 21 local government areas, as well as institutions including 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.

Abubakar-Tunga said the government acted on recommendations from security agencies.

“We cannot expose students to avoidable risks. All affected institutions must comply immediately. We will announce a new resumption date once the security situation improves,” he said.

The commissioners appealed for calm and urged residents to support ongoing security operations throughout the state.