Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Niger State Government directs private schools not to resume academic activities on January 5, 2026, citing lingering security concerns and warning of immediate closure for defaulters.
In a notice issued on Friday by the Niger State Private Schools Board, authorities stress that only the state governor, Umaru Bago, will announce an official resumption date.
“Any private school found resuming without approval risks immediate closure,” the board says in a statement signed by Information Officer Khadijat Umar.
The directive follows a prolonged shutdown ordered after the November 21, 2025, abduction of 230 pupils and staff at St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
Governor Bago ordered the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools on November 22, following an emergency security meeting. The measure affected missionary, Islamic and federal colleges, though most tertiary institutions remained open.
All abducted victims were later rescued through coordinated security operations. The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirms on December 25 that all 230 victims were safely reunited with their families.
Despite the rescue, the state says schools must await further clearance to ensure student safety.
Private school proprietors are urged to comply strictly, as monitoring teams are expected to enforce the directive.
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