Jigawa Shuts Public Primary, Secondary Schools Over Insecurity

The Jigawa State government has ordered the closure of all public primary and secondary schools over the fear of attacks.

The Commissioner of Education Lawal Yunusa confirmed this to Channels Television in Dutse the state capital.

He said, “an intelligence report was received by the state government that states, especially with international borders, are prone to attacks”.

“Upon receiving this information we ordered the closure of schools to avoid any surprise. Most of the schools are done with their examinations,” the commissioner added.

“The only students writing examinations are the SSS2 students who are writing mock examinations and only Civic Education and the Hausa language are left to be concluded. Then the pupils write internal examinations which the school can reschedule.”

Channels Television’s correspondent, who visited some public schools within the capital, saw boarding students carrying their luggage as they headed to their parent’s homes. Others were stranded since the closure was sudden.

When asked about the private schools and the higher institutions
who were seen to be operating, the commissioner said that the state government has informed them about the threat “but we allow them to close on their own time”.

Related Article: List Of Cheapest Universities To Study Pharmacy In Nigeria 2024

FAQs on the Closure of Public Schools in Jigawa State:

Why did the Jigawa State Government close public primary and secondary schools?

The schools were closed following a security alert received by the state government.
According to the Commissioner for Education, the intelligence report warned that states located close to international borders are more vulnerable to possible attacks.
The closure was therefore ordered as a preventive safety measure to protect students and staff.

Who confirmed the closure of schools in Jigawa State?

The closure was confirmed by the Commissioner for Education, Lawal Yunusa.

He explained that the decision was taken immediately after receiving the security report in order to avoid any unexpected incident in schools.

Which students were still writing examinations before the schools were closed?

Only SSS2 students were still writing their mock examinations before the sudden closure.

According to the Commissioner:

• Only Civic Education and Hausa Language papers were left to be concluded.

• Primary school pupils who were preparing for internal examinations will have their exams rescheduled by their individual schools.

Where was the announcement confirmed and reported from?

The confirmation was made to Channels Television in Dutse, the state capital.

A correspondent of Channels Television also visited several public schools in Dutse and observed that:

• Boarding students were already leaving with their luggage.

• Some students were stranded because the closure was announced suddenly.

Are private schools and higher institutions also closed in Jigawa State?

No. Private schools and higher institutions were not forced to shut down immediately.

However, the state government has:

• informed them about the security threat, and

• allowed each private school and tertiary institution to decide on their own when to close.

The government’s directive specifically applies to public primary and secondary schools.