Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has directed all schools across the state to shut down on or before Friday, following escalating security concerns.
The directive was announced on Monday by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Esrom Toro, during a meeting with Local Education Secretaries in Gombe.
The decision comes amid heightened warnings across northern Nigeria after a series of recent attacks and student abductions in neighbouring states.
According to Toro, the governor issued the order in response to growing national security fears, particularly the rising cases of attacks on schools.
He said, “His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has directed that all schools should be closed on or before Friday, 28th November 2025.
“This is purely a precautionary step to safeguard the lives of our pupils, students, teachers, and school administrators.”
Toro stressed that the directive should not cause panic, describing it as a proactive measure to prevent any unfortunate incident.
He added, “Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains fully committed to protecting the people of Gombe State.
“We urge parents not to be alarmed. Government is doing everything possible to contain insecurity and ensure our children remain safe.”
Toro also instructed schools to conclude all ongoing examinations within the next few days.
“Examinations should be conducted between today and Friday. Schools must complete all pending assessments before closure,” he said.
He further disclosed that a Taskforce Committee on School Revitalisation would soon commence a statewide assessment of selected schools.
He urged Education Secretaries to maintain updated records of all schools under their supervision.
“All Education Secretaries must ensure they have accurate and up-to-date information on every school under their jurisdiction.
“The taskforce will be visiting selected schools to assess, analyse, and make recommendations for revitalisation,” he explained.
Toro noted that the exercise forms part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening basic education in Gombe.
He added that the assessment would enable the government to identify gaps and improve school infrastructure, ensuring that learning environments remain safe and conducive when schools reopen.