In a decisive move prompted by escalating insecurity and targeted attacks on learning institutions, both Katsina and Plateau state governments have ordered the immediate shutdown of all public primary and secondary schools. The official directives, issued on Friday, aim to protect students, staff, and communities in the face of a disturbing surge in banditry and kidnappings within the region.
Announcing the closure to journalists in Katsina, Yusuf Jibia, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, stated, “This decision was taken in order to safeguard the lives and property of our students and teachers as security agencies implement a new statewide school safety strategy.”
He further clarified that the measure extends even to students who are currently writing their examinations, underscoring the gravity of the threat. “The shutdown is a temporary measure that will remain in effect pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas,” Jibia said, assuring that, “Normal academic activities will resume once security assessments are concluded and adequate protection measures are put in place.”
The commissioner also appealed for cooperation: “We urge parents, teachers, and residents to comply with the directive as officials continue to monitor the security situation.”
A similar sentiment was echoed in Plateau State, where Richard Jonah, the Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), emphasized the need for “urgent preventive action.” In an official statement from Jos, Jonah declared, “Government junior model secondary schools will close from Saturday, November 22nd, while primary and day schools will close from Monday, November 24th.” According to him, this move “underscores the urgent need for preventive action and to safeguard lives and property in the state.” He described the closure as “a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential security threats,” adding, “We want to reassure communities that the state government is prioritising the wellbeing of pupils and students.” He urged local government education authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to “comply fully with the directive and remain vigilant.”
The simultaneous actions taken by Katsina and Plateau come amid heightened anxiety following the recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states—incidents that have intensified concerns across north-western Nigeria, especially among parents and education stakeholders. Authorities cite the rising frequency of attacks on educational institutions and the subsequent need for a robust, systematic response.
Both governments have described the closures as temporary, promising that every effort will be made to restore normal academic activities as soon as the security situation is brought under control and sustainable protective measures are in place. In the meantime, officials urge citizens to cooperate with security agencies and to remain alert to further advisories, as the protection of lives and the right to safe education remain paramount.
