The Kebbi State government has ordered the immediate closure of all educational institutions, including tertiary schools, in the state. This directive was confirmed by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris, in an exclusive statement to the press. The decision comes just a week after the abduction of students in the Maga area, highlighting the state’s efforts to ensure the safety of its students.
According to Sarki, the government is making progress in the rescue efforts of the abducted girls and has assured that the military is working diligently to bring them back safely. The government has urged residents to support the governor’s initiatives to safeguard their lives, emphasizing that all necessary measures will be taken to rescue the girls.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Issa Abubakar-Tunga, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, released a joint statement explaining that the closure of schools is a necessary precautionary measure in response to recent attacks in parts of the state. The affected tertiary institutions include Kebbi State Polytechnic, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Adamu Augie College of Education, and the School of Remedial Studies.
The only institution exempt from the closure is the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, located in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi. The commissioners have instructed all school management to comply with the directive and remain calm, assuring that a new resumption date will be announced in due course.
The closure of schools in Kebbi State is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the security challenges facing the region. The government’s decision to prioritize the safety of students is a prudent measure, given the recent abduction incident. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor the progress of the rescue efforts and the government’s strategies to prevent such incidents in the future. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation is handled, and the Kebbi State government’s response will be crucial in ensuring the well-being of its citizens.