SUBEB: Nationwide Fear Rises as Plateau, FG Shut Schools Over Attacks

In response to an increase in attacks on schools in northern Nigeria, the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has ordered an immediate closure of all primary and junior secondary schools in the state.

A statement released on Friday in Jos by SUBEB’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Richard Jonah, mentioned that this closure is a precaution against new security threats that could endanger both pupils and teachers.

He noted that Government Junior Model Secondary Schools would close starting Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools would shut down by Monday, November 24.

“The board is taking this step to prevent any potential security breach,” Jonah said. He assured parents and stakeholders that this action is temporary and aims to protect school communities. He urged education authorities, head teachers, and community leaders to follow the directive closely and stay vigilant.

FG orders the shutdown of 41 Unity Colleges

This decision from Plateau comes at the same time as the Federal Government’s actions to improve security around educational institutions. On Thursday, the Ministry of Education ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges due to what it called “recent security challenges” in various parts of the nation.

The circular, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Abdulkadir, on behalf of Minister Tunji Alausa, instructed principals to close the affected schools without delay.

Schools in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South are included on the list, showing the widespread nature of the current threats.

Taraba suspends boarding schools

In another development, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has directed all public and private secondary schools to halt their boarding operations immediately.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, explained that this decision followed a review of the risks facing students in boarding schools, especially given the recent mass kidnappings reported in Kebbi and Niger states.

“All secondary schools will operate strictly as day schools until further notice,” she added, stressing that principals must quickly deboard all students.

Escalating insecurity prompts emergency closures

These closures reflect a national wave of concern after renewed attacks on educational institutions.

On Friday, attackers invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting many students during a midnight raid. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived on multiple motorcycles and shot a security guard before breaking into the hostels.

This incident took place just days after 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Kebbi. Though police in Nasarawa dismissed rumors of another kidnapping in Rukubi on Thursday, public fear has increased.

In light of the crisis, President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to travel to Kebbi to supervise rescue efforts. The President has also postponed his planned visits to Johannesburg and Angola as the situation intensifies.

Nation on high alert

These recent events bring to mind the 2014 Chibok school abduction and similar mass kidnappings that have plagued educational institutions over the past decade.

With Plateau, Taraba, and the Federal Government all closing schools or boarding facilities, many Nigerians worry that the country may be entering another period of widespread attacks on schools unless urgent and coordinated security measures are put in place.