By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Katsina and Plateau state governments have ordered the immediate closure of all public schools across the states following rising security threats and banditry attacks.
This was disclosed by officials of the basic and secondary education boards of both states on Friday, November 21.
The Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, confirmed the directive, saying the measure became necessary to safeguard students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school-safety strategy.
He noted that although students are currently writing examinations, protecting lives and property remains priority.
The commissioner described the closure as a temporary step that will remain in place pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.
Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), Richard Jonah, explained that the closure of basic schools in the state was a preventive measure.
He said: “You are aware of attacks in schools in some states. So, here in Plateau, the government is being proactive because we don’t want anything like such to happen here.
“So, the government decided to close the schools as a temporary measure to enable it to work on some security measures that can be put in place before school sessions can continue.”
A statement issued by the board on Friday said Government Junior Model Secondary Schools will close effective Saturday, November 22, 2025, while primary and day schools are to shut from Monday, November 24, 2025.
The statement also urged Local Government Education Authorities, school heads, and community leaders to cooperate and remain vigilant.
The decision by the state government to temporarily close down schools follows recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states.
The situation has heightened anxiety among parents and authorities across Northern Nigeria as armed bandits have repeatedly attacked schools in the region, despite repeated government pledges to strengthen security around educational institutions.
