The Niger State Government has announced the reopening of public and private schools across the state with effect from Monday, January 12, 2026, following security assessments and consultations with relevant authorities.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Hadiza Mohammed, and released by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on January 2, 2026.
According to the statement, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago approved the decision after reviewing security reports from relevant agencies, stressing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives while ensuring access to education.
“All public and private schools located in safe and secure areas of the state shall reopen on Monday, 12th January 2026,” the statement read. It added that public and private boarding schools in secure areas were also cleared to resume on the same date.
However, schools located in areas still considered unsafe or insecure are to remain closed until such locations are assessed and cleared by security authorities.
The government also directed all school authorities to immediately register students upon resumption and submit the compiled data to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education within one week for documentation and monitoring.
In addition, local government chairmen were instructed to support the reopening process by ensuring adequate security presence in and around school premises in collaboration with security agencies.
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The ministry noted that an official list of schools approved for reopening would be released on Monday, January 12, 2026, and urged parents, school managers and other stakeholders to strictly comply with the directives.
The statement assured that the safety of students, teachers and school communities remains paramount, while appreciating the patience and cooperation of the public.
The reopening follows months of school closures in parts of Niger State due to security challenges, including abductions and attacks on educational institutions. In late 2025, the Federal Government and several northern state governments ordered the closure of schools after a surge in kidnappings targeting pupils, students and teachers.