From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
The Niger state governor Mohammed Umar Bago has approved the reopening of both private and public schools across the state with effect from 12th January, 2026.
This is contained in a press statement issued by the state commissioner of Basic and secondary education Dr Hadiza Asebe Mohammed in Minna, all schools were shut down in the state immediately after the abduction of students and teachers of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church Papiri Agwara local government.
The decision follows a careful security assessments and extensive consumption with the relevant security agencies, in line with the governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education for all children in Niger state.
The commissioner however gave out about seven conditions for the reopening of schools in the state which includes,; that all schools in a save and secured areas should reopen on the said date, all private and public boarding schools in a secured and safe areas should reopen on the 12th January 2026, that all private and public day and boarding schools located in an unsafe and insecure areas, in the interim should remain closed until when they are assessed safe by the relevant security agencies.
Others were the schools are mandated to register all the returning students on the resumption to the school, compiled lists must be sent to the ministry one week after resumption to ensure proper monitoring and documentation while the local government Chairmen have been directed to support the reopening process in their various councils for adequate provision of security presence within and around the school premises.
Meanwhile, Dr Hadiza Asebe Mohammed further revealed that for transparency and effective coordination the ministry of basic and secondary education will release the list of both private and public schools to be reopen on Monday 12th January?, 2026.
The Niger state government appreciates the patient, cooperation, support and understanding of the parents, school managers and the general public as the safety of students, teachers and school community remains paramount on the part of the state government.
The stakeholders have been enjoyed to strictly adhered with the directives in the collective interest of peace, stability, safety and sustainable educational development of Niger state, while parents, guardians, proprietors, and other critical stakeholders are advised to note.
