In several Northern states, schools where mass abductions occurred have remained closed for many months, sparking concerns about exacerbating the already significant out-of-school challenge in the region, according to investigations by Daily Trust Saturday.
These closures affect schools in Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, and others that witnessed mass abductions of students.
Despite the release of some students from captivity, many of these schools remain shuttered, leaving the future of education for affected students uncertain.
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In Niger State, for instance, Government Science College Kagara has been closed for three years since the attack in February 2021. Efforts to transfer students to nearby schools have been made, and plans to relocate affected schools to the state capital, Minna, have been discussed. However, residents and alumni associations have voiced opposition, emphasizing the importance of reopening the schools with adequate security measures.
Similarly, in Katsina State, Government Science Secondary School Kankara, where 344 male students were abducted in December 2020, remains closed despite the students’ release. The security situation in the area continues to be precarious, leading to reluctance to reopen the school.
In Kaduna, schools like College of Forestry Afaka and Greenfield University, which suffered abductions in 2021, are also yet to reopen fully. While some have been relocated, concerns about security persist, delaying the resumption of normal academic activities.
These prolonged closures not only disrupt education but also pose challenges to the safety and well-being of students. With security concerns looming large, efforts to reopen these schools must prioritize the safety of students and staff.
