Kebbi Orders Schools to Reopen January 5 After Security Closure
Kebbi Schools Resume After Closure Over Abduction Fear

The Kebbi State Government has officially announced the reopening of all primary and secondary schools across the state, ending a closure initially prompted by security concerns. This decision paves the way for the commencement of the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session.

Official Directive and Resumption Date

In a decisive move, the state administration has set Monday, January 5, 2026, as the official resumption date for both public and private schools. The directive was formally issued on Friday, January 2, 2026, through coordinated statements from key education bodies.

The announcements were jointly signed by Isah Ibrahim, the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and Aliyu Bagarawa, the Deputy Director (Academics) at the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education. The government emphasized that this step underscores its commitment to preserving a stable and uninterrupted academic calendar for all students.

Preparations and Compliance Measures

The state government has called for comprehensive preparations to ensure a smooth start to academic activities in every part of Kebbi, from urban centres to rural communities. School administrators, including principals and head teachers, have been instructed to ensure all staff and facilities are fully ready for the students' return.

A critical appeal was made to parents and guardians, whose cooperation was described as vital for the success of the directive. "The cooperation of parents and guardians is critical to achieving the objectives of this directive, as punctual resumption will enhance effective teaching and learning," the statement highlighted. Parents are urged to ensure their children and wards resume school promptly on the stipulated date.

Examination Schedule and Monitoring

In a related circular, the government outlined specific plans for the first week of the term. Zonal Education Officers, school heads, and private school proprietors were informed that the initial week will be dedicated to conducting outstanding examinations from the first term.

Normal academic activities and classroom teaching are scheduled to fully commence on Monday, January 12, 2026, immediately after the conclusion of these examinations. The government issued a stern warning that all institutions must strictly adhere to the approved resumption timetable and examination schedule.

To enforce this, monitoring teams will be deployed across the state to ensure compliance with the directives. This move aims to maintain order and academic integrity as schools return to full operation.

The order to reopen follows the state government's earlier decision to shut down all schools, a precautionary measure taken after the traumatic abduction of 24 students in Maga village by armed bandits. The latest directive signals a cautious return to normalcy, backed by calls for vigilance and strict adherence to the new academic schedule.