The Federal Government's decision to shut down 41 secondary schools across northern Nigeria has sparked serious concerns about the region's education future. Political analyst Omotayo Yusuf has strongly criticized this move, warning that it threatens to reverse the minimal educational progress achieved in the region.
Government Takes Action Amid Security Threats
On Friday, November 21, 2025, the Federal Government ordered the immediate closure of 41 federal secondary schools located in high-risk areas. This decisive action came following a series of disturbing security incidents, including the mass abduction of students in both Kebbi and Niger States.
The situation reached a critical point when unknown gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, located in the Danko district of Danko Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State. The attackers struck between 4 am and 5 am on Monday, November 17, firing shots into the air as they invaded the school premises.
Although police personnel stationed at the school engaged the intruders, the attackers successfully entered the compound and abducted 25 female students. This incident has created widespread tension across the country, highlighting the growing security challenges facing educational institutions.
Religious Institutions Also Targeted
The security crisis extends beyond schools to religious establishments. In a separate incident, bandits attacked a branch of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Oke Isegun in Eruku, a community in Kwara state that shares boundaries with Kogi state.
Reports indicate that an unconfirmed number of worshippers were abducted during this attack, demonstrating that the security threat affects multiple aspects of community life in northern Nigeria.
Analyst Voices Grave Concerns
In an exclusive interview, political commentator Omotayo Yusuf expressed deep concern about the developing situation, particularly emphasizing the negative impact of school closures on education in the region.
"The mass abduction currently happening in Nigeria, especially the tragic incidents occurring in schools, represents a terrible situation," Yusuf stated. He explained that the government's response of closing unity schools and state-level educational institutions until next year threatens to undermine educational progress in a region that has been working hard to improve child education, particularly for female children.
Yusuf emphasized that "the minimal development that has been recorded is being eroded because of insecurity, especially in female schools." He described this erosion of educational gains as particularly devastating for young girls who are attempting to rewrite their life stories through education.
Leadership Responsibility Highlighted
The political analyst placed ultimate responsibility for resolving the crisis on President Bola Tinubu, noting that "the box still falls on the table of the president, who is the commander in chief of the armed forces."
Yusuf reminded the administration of its constitutional duty to protect Nigerian citizens, stating that the president has sworn an oath of allegiance to protect Nigerians since assuming office. He stressed the importance of treating every single person's life as important and called for significant improvements in intelligence gathering and security operations.
The analyst specifically emphasized the need for enhanced protection of students, particularly young girls who are striving to improve their lives through education. He urged the government to take immediate and effective action to secure educational institutions and restore confidence in the education system.
The closure of schools across multiple northern states represents a significant setback for educational development in a region that has been working to improve literacy rates and school enrollment, particularly among female children who face additional barriers to education.
