The Niger State Government has unveiled plans to reopen public schools in local government areas previously affected by insecurity.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening security in schools that have faced threats due to regional instability. She also expressed gratitude to UNICEF and other development partners for their continued technical support and collaboration.

Dr. Mohammed noted that strategic measures have been developed to address the barriers to education caused by insecurity. Speaking at a dissemination meeting on the theme “The Impact of Insecurity on Access to Education in Niger State,” held at Haske Luxury Hotel in Minna, she disclosed that 29 schools previously shut down have now resumed operations, while 20 others have undergone renovations following damages sustained.

She emphasized the toll insecurity has taken on the state’s education system and announced the government’s plan to introduce early warning systems in schools located in high-risk areas.

“The state government has decided to relocate several schools from highly vulnerable areas to more secure environments,” she stated.

Dr. Mohammed added that the government is tackling the root causes of insecurity by implementing social welfare initiatives for families affected by conflict. She reiterated that plans are underway to reinforce school safety and to establish early warning mechanisms in regions considered at risk.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Nigeria, Education Specialist Mr. Believe Eke, who represented the Chief of Education, Vanessa Lee, highlighted the urgent need to address the impact of insecurity on learning in Niger State. He explained that the ongoing study is intended to provide data-driven insights for informed policymaking, ensuring the delivery of quality education in areas affected by conflict.

Also reacting to the findings, Education Secretaries from Shiroro and Rafi LGAs—Usaini Baba and Ahmed Madaki—acknowledged slight improvements in the security situation compared to previous years. Madaki noted that during the peak of insecurity in Rafi LGA, 34 schools were shut down. Of these, 24 have now reopened, while others have been relocated to safer sites.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of detailed reports and actionable recommendations aimed at restoring and improving access to education across the state.