Despite renewed waves of insecurity and rising school abductions compelling school closures, the Zamfara State Government says it is not considering closing schools
The development comes after most of the governors in the North West, North East and North Central ordered the closure of schools following a resurgence of school abductions in their regions.
Last week, 25 students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State were abducted by suspected Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists. A few days later, more than 300 pupils, students and staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary school in Niger state were abducted with 253 still in captivity while 51 escaped.
Before the St Mary’s incident , there was the kidnapping of 38 worshipers at Eruku, Kwara State,who fortunately regained their freedom on Sunday.
Addressing Journalists at an event in Gusau, the state capital, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology,Wadatau Madawaki, said Instead of closing schools,the state government has introduced new security measures to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks.
“We have already done what we are supposed to do, and when you talk about security, you do not disclose your actions to the media. But we have taken steps to safeguard the interests of our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of.
“We are in contact with all the security agencies, and they are giving us the necessary support to ensure our schools operate without hindrance. We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term,” Madawaki said.
Madawaki explained that states embarking on mass closures largely operate boarding schools, whereas Zamfara currently runs mainly day schools due to insecurity.
“As of now, most of the states that have closed their schools operate boarding systems where students stay in hostels. Bandits often strike at night when people are asleep. Here, we are yet to resume our boarding system. Our schools run during the day,” he said.
He noted that schools in areas with persistent insecurity remain closed until conditions improve.
“Where we feel there is insecurity, the schools have already been closed. Where there is relative peace, we have allowed students to continue since the term is almost ending. If there is a need to extend holidays, we shall do so,” he said.
The commissioner added that some higher institutions, including the state university, polytechnic and college of education, are already on holiday.
“They are due to resume in December, but because they keep boarding students, we will extend their holidays until January to assess the situation before they return.”
