The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of public and private schools in secure areas starting Monday, January 12, 2026, prioritizing student safety amid ongoing security challenges. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's directive follows thorough assessments and consultations with security agencies, balancing education continuity with protection for pupils, teachers, and staff.
All day and boarding schools in safe zones public and private must resume on January 12, while those in high-risk areas stay closed until cleared by authorities. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, via Commissioner Hadiza Mohammed, will publish the approved schools list on resumption day for transparency. Approved institutions must register returning students and submit data within one week to aid monitoring.
Enhanced security deployments around school premises will involve coordinated efforts with agencies to create safe learning environments. This phased approach addresses recent abductions and attacks that prompted prior closures across northern Nigeria, including Niger. Parents, guardians, and proprietors face strict compliance mandates to foster peace and educational progress.
The decision underscores Bago's commitment to uninterrupted quality education despite banditry and kidnappings plaguing the region. It follows federal unity school reopenings and aligns with state investments in school renovations and healthcare. Stakeholders anticipate boosted enrollment and academic recovery post-holiday.