The Taraba State Government has taken decisive action to protect students by ordering the immediate suspension of all boarding activities in secondary schools across the state. This emergency measure comes as security concerns escalate nationwide, particularly following recent student abductions in northern states.
Immediate Closure Directive
In a statement released on Saturday, November 22, 2025, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, announced that both public and private secondary schools must operate strictly as day schools effective immediately. The directive came directly from Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, who emphasized the need for precautionary measures to safeguard students.
The government's decision specifically references the growing pattern of bandits targeting boarding students, citing recent kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger states as alarming precedents that could spread to Taraba. School principals and proprietors have been instructed to deboard all students without delay.
Enhanced Security Measures
Alongside the boarding facility closures, Governor Kefas has ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to schools across the state. Civil Defence operatives will be particularly visible in and around educational institutions to provide additional protection.
The notification has been formally circulated to key educational stakeholders, including the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Post-Primary Schools Management Board, as well as leadership of the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON) and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) to ensure full compliance.
National Security Context
Taraba's decision comes within a broader national security crisis affecting educational institutions. Just 48 hours prior to the state's announcement, the Federal Ministry of Education had closed 47 federal unity schools nationwide.
In a related development, the Federal Government had earlier ordered the closure of 41 Federal Government Colleges, commonly known as Federal Unity Colleges, following the kidnapping of students in Kebbi and Niger States. The fear that such incidents might escalate prompted these widespread closures.
The federal directive was communicated through a circular dated November 21, 2025, by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir. The circular referenced number FME/DSSE/GM/S.160/C.11 and stated that Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa approved the immediate closure to prevent security breaches.
Commissioner Godwin has appealed for complete cooperation from all school administrators as the state prioritizes student safety during these challenging times. The wave of school abductions has created an urgent need for proactive security measures across Nigeria's educational landscape.
