Niger state government directs schools to reopen

Schools that were shut down following the abduction of 27 students from the Government Science College, Kagara, Niger state on February 10 have been ordered to reopen.

The directive was issued by the Niger State government. The State Commissioner of Education, Hannatu Salihu said schools with day students will resume on March 29, while boarding secondary schools in urban areas will reopen on April 6.

Schools in the state were also directed to immediately form a formidable Security team, comprising of School Officials, Security Personnel, PTA, SBMC and Vigilante with active community participation to allow for a strong security presence in and around the Schools, LIB said.

She said; “All public day secondary schools are to reopen on Monday, March 29, 2021. All boarding secondary schools in urban areas are to reopen on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

“Low risk boarding secondary schools in rural areas that are to run as day schools during the period are also to reopen on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

“Public day secondary schools in areas of high risk that would run in clusters with selected safe schools in nearby communities would reopen on a later date to be announced after adequate arrangements are concluded.

“Students from other communities in the boarding schools that would operate as day schools during the period would be moved to other boarding/day secondary schools in their localities.

“All principals have been provided with specific details in respect of the arrangement under (1) – (4). Therefore, they are expected to work under and in collaboration with their zonal directors to ensure compliance in the light of the demands of current security realities.

“All schools, especially those at high risk, would be provided with adequate security meant to enhance the capacity of the school system and security personnel to response to threats.

“To this end, every school must immediately form a formidable Security team, comprising of School Officials, Security Personnel, PTA, SBMC and Vigilante with active community participation to allow for strong security presence in and around the Schools.”