NIGER STATE APPROVES REOPENING OF SCHOOLS FROM JANUARY 12

The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of public and private schools across the state, with effect from Monday, 12th January 2026, following improved security assessments.

This was contained in a press release dated 2nd January 2026 and issued by the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, under the Office of the Honourable Commissioner.

According to the statement, the approval was granted by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, after extensive consultations with relevant security agencies. The decision, the government said, reflects its commitment to safeguarding lives while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education for children in the state.

The ministry clarified that all public and private schools located in safe and secure areas are permitted to reopen on the approved date. This approval also extends to boarding schools situated in secure locations.

However, schools—both day and boarding—located in unsafe or insecure areas are to remain closed until such areas are duly assessed and cleared by the appropriate security authorities.

As part of mandatory reopening requirements, school authorities have been directed to register all returning students immediately upon resumption. The compiled data is to be submitted to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week of resumption for documentation and monitoring purposes.

Additionally, Local Government Area Chairmen have been tasked with supporting the reopening process within their respective LGAs by ensuring adequate security presence in and around school premises, in collaboration with security agencies.

In the interest of transparency, the ministry disclosed that it will release an official list of all approved public and private schools cleared to reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026.

The Niger State Government expressed appreciation to parents, school managers, and the general public for their patience and cooperation, stressing that the safety of students, teachers, and school communities remains paramount.

All stakeholders were urged to strictly comply with the directives in the collective interest of peace, safety, and sustainable educational development in Niger State.

The statement was signed by Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Niger State.