Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed
Bauchi State Government has ordered an immediate shutdown of all public and private schools amid escalating insecurity across the northern region, becoming the latest state to take such drastic action to protect students.
The directive, announced late Sunday by Jalaludeen Usman, spokesperson for the state’s Ministry of Education, affects every category of learning institution — primary, secondary, and tertiary — including federal, state, and privately owned schools.
Usman said the decision followed “extensive consultations” and mounting fears for the safety of students, teachers and school communities. According to him, the state could not afford to take chances given the deteriorating security climate.
“The government is fully aware of the inconvenience this may cause. However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility,” he said, assuring the public that the measure is temporary.
He added: “Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear. We therefore call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic, but to remain calm and cooperative.”
Usman explained that security agencies were already working with the state government to address the concerns “swiftly and comprehensively,” giving an assurance that schools would reopen once the environment is deemed safe for learning.
Bauchi’s move comes just days after the Federal Government ordered the closure of 47 unity schools following a spike in attacks and abductions. Several northern states — including Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue and Katsina — have also shut down academic activities as insecurity continues to disrupt the education sector.
With the latest development, thousands of students across Bauchi will remain at home as authorities race to restore safety in the region.
