Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has directed the phased reopening of public and private schools across the state from Monday, 12 January 2026, following comprehensive security assessments and extensive consultations with relevant security agencies.
In a press statement issued jointly by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Governor’s Office in Minna, the state capital, the government said the decision strikes a balance between safeguarding lives and restoring uninterrupted access to education for the state’s children.
According to the directive, only schools situated in areas that have been evaluated as “safe and secure” are authorised to reopen on the scheduled date. Schools located in communities still considered insecure will remain closed until relevant security agencies complete necessary assessments and formally clear them for resumption.
“All public and private schools located in safe and secure areas of the state shall reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026,” the statement read. It added that “all public and private boarding schools situated in safe and secure areas are also approved to reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026”, while those in unsafe areas shall remain closed for the interim.
To ensure proper documentation and monitoring of resumption, the government has directed all school authorities to register returning pupils and students immediately upon resumption, and to submit the compiled data to the ministry within one week.
Local Government Chairmen have also been tasked with supporting the reopening process by collaborating with security agencies to provide adequate security presence in and around school premises. The Ministry said an official list of schools cleared for reopening will be made public on the resumption date.
The statement further urged parents, guardians, school proprietors and all relevant stakeholders to strictly comply with the guidelines “in the collective interest of peace, safety, and sustainable educational development in Niger State”.
While appreciating the patience, cooperation, and understanding of the public, the state government reiterated that the safety of pupils, students, teachers, and entire school communities remains its paramount concern.
The reopening follows months of widespread school closures across parts of Niger State after armed groups abducted pupils, students and teachers, deeply disrupting academic activities.
In November 2025, a major incident at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area saw armed gunmen abduct dozens of children and staff.
- Nigerian Law School Gets First Woman Director-General under Tinubu - January 6, 2026
- 30 Killed, Many Abducted as Terrorists Strike Kasuwan-Daji in Niger State - January 5, 2026
- NRS Chairman Alerts Security Agencies Over Rumoured Protests Against New Tax Laws - January 5, 2026