The Bauchi State Government has directed the immediate closure of all schools across the state following rising security concerns that officials say pose significant risks to students, teachers, and school communities.
The shutdown affects all primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including Federal Government-owned and private schools operating within the state.
The directive was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman.
According to Usman, the state reached the decision after extensive consultations triggered by what he described as “overwhelming security concerns.”
He stated:
“This decision, though difficult, was taken after extensive consultations and in response to overwhelming security concerns. The protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.”
Usman appealed for calm among parents, guardians, school proprietors, and stakeholders, assuring them that government and security agencies were working swiftly to address the situation.
“We call on all concerned stakeholders not to panic but remain cooperative. The government is working closely with security agencies to address the concerns comprehensively and ensure that academic activities resume as soon as it is safe.”
The ministry further urged residents to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities:
“If you see something, say something. Timely information from the public is crucial in safeguarding our communities.”
Usman added that the government would provide continuous updates as developments unfold.
Hobnob News reports that the decision comes amid recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states—incidents that have heightened tension and prompted several northern states to reassess campus security.
The Federal Government had earlier ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity schools nationwide following the surge in student kidnappings.
