Summary
The Bauchi State government has ordered the shutdown of every public and private school, extending this decision to state-owned primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, as well as schools owned by the Federal Government operating within the state.
The announcement was delivered in a statement released by Jalaludeen Usman, the Information Officer of the Ministry of Education.
According to the statement, “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 state government emphasized its commitment to keeping learners safe and advised residents to stay alert, composed, and ready to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activities.
The statement further noted, “We call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic but to remain calm and supportive. The government is working closely with security agencies to address these concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Officials assured the public that new information would be shared as developments unfold.
With this announcement, Bauchi joins the growing number of states that have suspended academic activities following intensifying security threats and recent mass kidnappings of students in various regions.
Just last Saturday, Katsina State became the second state to close all primary and secondary schools after issuing a directive through Sani Danjuma, the spokesperson for its Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education.
Katsina followed Plateau State, which earlier on Friday also suspended activities in all its primary and junior secondary schools, citing safety concerns. A statement from the Plateau government explained that “All Government Junior Model Secondary Schools will close effective Saturday, November 22, while all Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, November 24.”
On the same day, the Federal Government also confirmed the shutdown of 47 Unity Schools across the country.
The wave of closures comes as attacks on schools, religious centres, and security personnel continue to escalate. These incidents are predominantly occurring in northern Nigeria, which comprises 19 states.
On Monday, armed men attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, abducting at least 24 students and killing the school’s vice principal.
By Friday, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, kidnapping hundreds of students and staff. While over 315 individuals were taken, authorities confirmed that 50 students have escaped.
Also on Tuesday, another attack targeted a church in Eruku, Kwara State, resulting in the death of at least two worshippers and the abduction of many others.
In the North-East, terrorists in Borno State recently ambushed a military team, killing a Brigadier-General and four security officers, adding to the mounting tension nationwide.
What You Should Know
Nigeria is experiencing a surge in coordinated attacks targeting schools, churches, and security personnel, prompting multiple states—including Plateau, Katsina, and now Bauchi—to abruptly shut down academic institutions.
These closures reflect escalating concerns over mass abductions of students, a trend that has intensified across northern Nigeria.
Recent incidents in Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, and Borno underscore a broader insecurity crisis stretching across regions. Governments at state and federal levels are responding with emergency measures aimed at preventing further casualties.
The situation remains fluid, and continued vigilance is urged as security agencies work to manage the growing threats.
