Schools Closure: How Insecurity Triggers Setback to Education in Northern Nigeria

By Hajara Abdullahi

The recent rise in attacks by bandits on schools in Northern Nigeria has led to the closure of schools in several states, posing a great setback to education in a region already grappling with a high rate of out-of-school children.

On Sunday, 16th November 2025, armed bandits stormed the Government Comprehensive Science Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where they abducted 25 girls after killing the school’s Vice Principal. Barely a week earlier, another set of students had been abducted at St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA. Although 51 students escaped, 253 students, including 12 teachers, remain in captivity.

According to Bulama Bukarti, a security analyst and human rights lawyer, this marks the 13th attack on schools, with over 1,400 students abducted so far.

Following these developments, the Government of Kebbi State ordered the closure of schools and institutions across the state in a joint statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar Tunga.

Similarly, Niger State Governor Umar Bago ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools across the state on 22nd November 2025.

On 21st November, basic schools across Plateau State were also shut down following an announcement by the PRO of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Richard Jonah. The state government described the measure as temporary, aimed at ensuring the safety of students.

In Yobe State, the Governor, through the office of the Director General of Media Affairs, ordered the closure of all boarding and secondary schools across the state in a press release made available to journalists on Saturday, 22nd November 2025. Likewise, the Kwara State Government, on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, shut down schools in four local government areas like Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti over security concerns.

The Taraba State Government also directed the closure of school hostels, ordering that all boarding students should operate as day students for the time being. Katsina State Government followed suit, announcing the closure of all primary and secondary schools across the state on Friday, 21st November 2025, due to escalating security concerns in the region.

In Bauchi State, schools were temporarily shut down on Sunday, 23rd November 2025, following a press release by the PRO of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman.

The Northern region is already facing several developmental challenges, ranging from insecurity and unemployment to a lack of social amenities and a high rate of out-of-school children. The recent wave of school closures poses a great threat to efforts aimed at addressing educational deficiencies that hinder development, particularly in relation to girl-child education, as girls are still left behind compared to boys in school enrollment.

Instead of closing schools, governments at all levels should focus on providing a safe and secure learning environment where every child can learn, thrive, and grow. It is unfortunate that despite the Federal Government earmarking N144.7 billion from 2023–2025 for the Safe Schools Initiative, the lack of proper monitoring and implementation has rendered the scheme ineffective.

Therefore, stakeholders including government, security agencies, religious and community leaders, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens must work hand in hand to ensure the safety of students in schools. In a fast-changing and advanced world, the power of education cannot be overemphasized. Denying our children access to education is tantamount to breeding a generation lacking the knowledge and skills needed for survival and contribution to a sustainable and better world.