Insecurity: Scores of schools in 40 LGAs shut down

Insecurity has forced the closure of at least 65 secondary and primary schools across northern Nigeria, leaving thousands of children unable to access education. The affected schools are spread across multiple states, including Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna, and Kebbi, with academic activities also disrupted in parts of Katsina and Adamawa.

Terrorist and bandit attacks, abductions, and community displacement are the primary drivers behind these closures. Many schools have remained shut for extended periods, while authorities have attempted to mitigate the impact by merging institutions or relocating students to safer areas.

The situation raises significant concerns about Nigeria's existing out-of-school crisis and the long-term consequences of prolonged educational disruption. This continues despite years of government and international efforts, such as the Safe Schools Initiative launched in 2014, which aimed to protect educational institutions in high-risk areas. The initiative, supported by over $30 million in funding, and a subsequent National Plan on Financing Safe Schools, have yet to fully curb the attacks driving children away from classrooms.

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Schools across the state, including primary schools, had been closed indefinitely, with schools within Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko exempted.