BREAKING: Niger Govt Shuts All Public Secondary Schools Over Insecurity

Niger State Commissioner of Education, Hajiya Hannatu Jibrin Salihu, has directed the closure of all Public Secondary Schools for two weeks commencing from Friday, March 12th to Friday, March 26th, 2021.

She gave the directive during an emergency consultative meeting with the leadership of the Association of the Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS), Executive Chairman, Niger State Universal Basic Education Board  (NSUBEB),Heads of Education Agencies, Directors of the Ministry, and other stakeholders of the Education sector in the State.

According to her, the directive was based on the decision earlier taken during an interface the Ministry had with  officials from various Security Agencies in the State.

Though 22 Secondary Schools (11 Day and 11 Boarding Schools)have earlier been closed, the two weeks closure of all

Secondary Schools were necessary to give relevant Security Agencies the time and opportunity to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of all public secondary schools.

The exercise, when completed, will provide an all-inclusive mechanism and strategies that will restore and guarantee sustainable security and safety of Students, School infrastructure, Education managers,  Teachers in the State.

The Commissioner used the opportunity to commend Education actors, Parents, and communities for their patience, understanding, and support in this trying time.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to leave no stone unturned and ensure that all schools are safe environments for effective Teaching and learning.

Therefore, she urged Nigerlites not to relent in their show of solidarity,  cooperation and collaboration with the government in this critical task of surmounting security challenges especially the School system.