At least 65 primary and secondary schools have been shut or rendered non-functional across several northern states as insecurity continues to disrupt education.
The affected schools are spread across Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Kebbi, while parts of Katsina, Adamawa and other states have also experienced disruptions.
The closures have been linked to attacks by terrorists and bandits, kidnappings, displacement of communities and fears over the safety of pupils, students and teachers.
Sokoto has recorded one of the largest disruptions, with schools in 20 of the state’s 23 local government areas closed indefinitely. Schools in Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko were excluded from the directive.
In Benue, at least 35 schools have been affected across Kwande, Gwer West, Guma and Logo local government areas. Repeated attacks have forced residents to flee, leaving many children without regular access to education.
Borno has also recorded fresh school closures in Askira-Uba following the abduction of students and pupils. Mussa Junior and Primary School and Lassa Secondary School were among the institutions affected.
Plateau has experienced disruptions in Riyom and Barkin Ladi, while Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State remains closed following an attack and student abduction.
In Kaduna, most schools remain open, although Bethel High School and Greenfield University in Chikun Local Government Area have previously been affected by major abduction incidents. Security concerns also persist in parts of Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, Kauru and Igabi.
Katsina has faced prolonged school disruptions in several frontline local government areas, including Batsari, Jibia, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Safana, Kurfi and Dandume. Some affected schools have been merged with institutions in safer communities.
The latest closures add to Nigeria’s growing education crisis. A 2025 investigation found that at least 188 public schools had been closed because of insecurity across six northern states.
Education experts warn that prolonged school closures could increase the country’s already high number of out-of-school children and expose young people to child labour, early marriage and criminal or extremist recruitment.
Professor Al Chukwuma Okoli of the Federal University, Lafia, said children who miss foundational education may struggle with literacy and numeracy while facing reduced employment opportunities later in life.
He also described the disruption as a security concern, warning that large numbers of unschooled children could become vulnerable to recruitment by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
Experts have also raised concerns about the psychological effects of repeated attacks. Dr Sixtus Unigwe, National President of the Association of Child and Learning Psychologists, said fear and trauma could affect children’s concentration, academic performance and willingness to return to school even after reopening.
Educationist Eloho Arhogho-Okeren urged authorities to introduce alternative learning arrangements, including radio lessons, community learning centres, school feeding and financial assistance for affected families.
ActionAid Nigeria also called for stronger implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative and the creation of alternative learning spaces for children displaced by insecurity.
The Federal Government says it is strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative. Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, told a Senate committee that the Ministry of Education had established a dedicated Safe Schools Department and was working with security agencies on a national school-safety framework.
The new approach is expected to include stronger school fencing, solar lighting, water and sanitation facilities, security personnel, surveillance technology and monitoring systems.
The Safe Schools Initiative was established after the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. More than $30 million has reportedly been mobilised for the initiative, while the Federal Government’s 2023–2026 financing plan projected an investment of about ₦144.86 billion.
