The Bauchi State Government has ordered for the immediate closure of all schools across the state following heightened security threats and a surge in terrorist activities in northern states.
The directive was issued on Sunday by the Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman, who said the closure affects all categories of learning institutions.
He said, “The Bauchi State Government wishes to notify the general public that all primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including Federal Government-owned schools and private schools, are hereby closed with immediate effect.”
Usman explained that the decision to shut down schools was reached after extensive consultations and a careful review of the security situation threatening the safety of students and teachers.
According to him, “This decision, though difficult, was taken by the Government of Bauchi State after extensive consultations and in response to overwhelming security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state.”
The ministry spokesman noted that the government is aware of the inconvenience the closure would cause, but stressed that protecting the lives of schoolchildren remains the state’s highest responsibility.
“The government is fully aware of the inconvenience this may cause. However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear,” he said.
The state government also called on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and stakeholders to remain calm and cooperate with authorities during this period.
Usman added that arrangements were ongoing with security agencies to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, assuring that academic activities would resume once it is deemed safe.
“The government is working closely with security agencies to address the concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” he added.
The government also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
It appealed to the public to embrace the “see something, say something” approach, noting that timely information is critical to safeguarding communities amid the rising security threats.
