The Nigerian Federal Government has shut down 41 of the nation’s 104 Unity Secondary Schools across the country.
The development comes after the attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger States.
Students and staff were abducted in both incidents while at least one official was shot dead.
In a circular issued to principals, on Friday, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education in the Ministry of Education, said Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister, had approved the temporary closure of 41 schools due to recent security challenges in some parts of the country.
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed federal unity colleges with immediate effect,” the circular read.
The affected schools include institutions located in Zaria, Daura, Sokoto, Potiskum, Ikare-Akoko, Abaji, among others.
The directive comes amid a surge in attacks on educational institutions nationwide.
In Kebbi State, gunmen invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga during the early hours of Monday, abducting 25 students and killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makaku, who attempted to resist them. Two students later escaped.
A report covering the period from 2014 to 2022 indicated that more than 1,680 children were abducted from schools across Nigeria.
