The Niger State Government plans to partially reopen public and private primary and secondary schools.
The reopening was set to 12th January, 2025, following a mass abduction that prompted a statewide closure in late November 2025.
Schools in safe areas will resume classes, while those in unsafe zones, both day and boarding facilities, stay shut until security clearance.
Governor Umaru Bago’s office cites a thorough security review and talks with agencies in a Friday statement from spokesperson Bologi Ibrahim.
“The decision to reopen schools followed a careful security assessment and extensive consultations with relevant security agencies, in line with the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education for all children in Niger State.”
“All public and private day as well as boarding schools located in unsafe areas shall, in the interim, remain closed until such areas are duly assessed and cleared by relevant security authorities,” the statement reads.
“This balances child safety with access to education,” Ibrahim notes.
Local chairs have been mandated to boost security around reopening sites, and schools need to register returning students within a week for ministry records.
Recall that the shutdown follows a November 21 gunmen raid on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara District.
The incident saw 230 pupils and staff being abducted, according to the information released by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, sparking outrage after initial reports of over 300 missing.
Governor Bago calls an emergency meeting amid attacks in Agwara and Shiroro, extending the order to missionary, Islamic, and federal schools for student protection.