The Kebbi State Government has approved the reopening of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic calendar.
According to the directive, schools are to resume academic activities on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The announcement was contained in separate official statements jointly endorsed by the Public Relations Officer of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Isah Ibrahim, and the Deputy Director (Academics) of the Kebbi State Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, Aliyu Bagarawa.
The statements urged school administrators, teachers, parents, students, education secretaries, and other relevant stakeholders to take note of the resumption date and ensure full compliance with the directive.
School heads were specifically directed to put necessary arrangements in place to ensure a seamless return to academic work across all institutions.
Parents and guardians were also advised to make sure that their children and wards resume school promptly in line with the approved timetable.
In a related circular issued by the education authorities, zonal education officers, principals, head teachers, and owners of private schools were informed that the first week after resumption would be used to conduct examinations for the first term.
The circular further clarified that regular teaching activities and classroom instruction would officially commence on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The state government stressed that all schools are expected to strictly observe the resumption schedule and examination timetable as approved, warning that deviations would not be tolerated.
The resumption directive comes months after the state government ordered the closure of schools following a deadly security incident in the state.
Schools across Kebbi were shut after armed bandits abducted 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in November 2025.
The attack, which heightened concerns over insecurity and student abductions nationwide, also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal.
At the time, Governor Nasir Idris strongly condemned the incident and directed the military to investigate who authorized the withdrawal of troops from the school before the attack occurred.
On November 25, Governor Idris announced that the abducted schoolgirls had been successfully released, emphasizing that no ransom was paid to secure their freedom.
“No ransom was paid. The Kebbi State Government did not pay a kobo, and neither did the Federal Government. The rescue was achieved solely through the efforts of the security agencies,” Idris said.
What you should know
The reopening of schools in Kebbi State marks a significant step toward restoring normal academic activities after months of disruption caused by insecurity.
The November 2025 abduction of schoolgirls in Maga forced the government to shut schools statewide as a precautionary measure. With the students now released and security measures reportedly strengthened, the state government is moving to stabilize the education sector.
The phased resumption, starting with first-term examinations before full academic activities resume, is aimed at easing schools and students back into the academic calendar while maintaining order and compliance.
