The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools across the state following rising insecurity across the northern region.
Jalaludeen Usman, spokesperson of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, announced the directive during a press briefing in Bauchi on Sunday night.
Usman said the shutdown affects primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including those owned by the state, federal government, and private operators.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations and was taken in response to growing security threats that pose risks to students, teachers, and school communities.
“The government is fully aware of the inconvenience this may cause. However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility,” he said.
“Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.”
Usman urged parents, guardians, school administrators, and stakeholders to remain calm, assuring them that the government is working with security agencies to restore safety and reopen schools as soon as possible.
Nigeria continues to grapple with worsening insecurity, particularly mass abductions of students in the north-west and north-central regions.
On November 17, gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting about 25 students and killing the vice-principal.
On November 21, armed men invaded St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, where 315 students and staff were abducted, according to latest disclosures.
In response to the escalating threats, the federal government has shut down 44 Unity Schools, while the governments of Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Katsina have also ordered the closure of schools in their states.