The Niger State Government has officially announced the resumption of academic activities for both public and private schools, effective January 12, 2026.
The announcement was made by Commissioner Dr. Hadiza Mohammed after a state-wide shutdown caused by the mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area.
All abducted persons, 12 staff, 14 secondary students, and 204 primary pupils, were safely reunited with their families in late December after an operation by the Nigerian Army and DSS.
To curtail any potential threat, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago temporarily suspended all institutions, including Federal Unity Colleges, to prevent a recurrence.
The reopening is being handled in phases. Only schools in areas cleared by security agencies will reopen. Those in hotspots zones, particularly in Niger North and East, remain closed indefinitely.
Upon resumption, school authorities must register all returning students and submit the data to the Ministry within seven days to facilitate state-wide security monitoring.
Local Government Chairmen have been given support to provide armed presence and surveillance around school premises in collaboration with community leaders.
Leave a comment