Insecurity Forces Closure of Over 180 Schools in Northern Nigeria

At least 188 public schools across Northern Nigeria have been shut down as a result of worsening insecurity.

Findings by our correspondents not the the CityPost revealed that bandit attacks on communities forced many schools to close, with some now serving as shelters for displaced persons.

In Zamfara alone, 39 schools were shut, while Niger recorded 30, Sokoto and Kaduna six each, Katsina 52, and Benue 55. The actual figure could be higher as many remote areas remain inaccessible.

The investigation excluded Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, where Boko Haram insurgency has disrupted education for more than 15 years. In some cases, temporary schools have been set up in IDP camps, while rebuilt communities have seen displaced families return home with their children. Yet, many hard-to-reach areas remain cut off.

North West Situation
In Zamfara, 20 primary and 19 secondary schools have been abandoned. In Niger, 18 primary schools, one secondary, and 11 nomadic schools are closed. Sokoto State recorded closures of three secondary schools, two technical colleges, and one primary school.

This crisis comes despite reports showing Northern states already have some of the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria. UNICEF’s 2024 report estimates 10.2 million primary school-age children and 8.1 million junior secondary school-age children are not in school nationwide.

Data from the National Mass Education Programme Initiative (NMPI) shows Katsina has 1.4 million out-of-school children (45.9% of its school-age population), Kebbi 67.6% (1.06 million children), and Sokoto 1.25 million—placing them at the top of the national ranking.

Across Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kaduna, Kebbi, Benue, and Kwara, schools have been shut for years or months following repeated attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, Ansaru, Lakurawa, Mahmuda terrorists, and armed bandits. Many classrooms are now used as IDP shelters or bases for security operatives.

Sokoto: Six Schools Shut
Prominent schools such as Federal Government Technical College, Wurno; Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rabah; and Adamu Mu’azu Science Secondary School, Goronyo remain closed years after shutdown. In some LGAs, IDPs occupy school buildings at night and vacate them by day for classes, while in Isa LGA, bandits have turned schools into resting points.

Zamfara: 39 Schools Closed
Communities in Anka, Tsafe, and Kaura Namoda LGAs have seen their schools deserted for more than six years, with some converted into military camps. Residents lament that many children have been out of school for over seven years.

Katsina: Dozens Abandoned
A 2024 UNICEF-supported study revealed 52 schools shut across Batsari, Faskari, and Kankara LGAs. Between 2020 and 2025, over 330 students were abducted, alongside 14 teachers, while five teachers were killed.

Niger: 30 Schools Deserted
Schools across Rafi, Shiroro, and Mariga LGAs remain empty, including Government Science College, Kagara—scene of the 2021 mass abduction. Teachers say children stay home for weeks whenever bandits are sighted nearby.

Kaduna: Villages Deserted
At least six schools in Kajuru LGA have been abandoned after villages were deserted. In Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs, displaced pupils are crammed into classrooms in urban areas.

Kebbi: Fear After Birnin Yauri Attack
Schools remain closed in Danko Wasagu following the 2021 abduction of 96 girls from Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri. Parents now prefer sending children only to schools near towns.

Benue: 55 Schools Shut in 2024
Recurring attacks left 55 schools closed or destroyed, mostly in Guma, Logo, Agatu, Kwande, and Gwer West LGAs. Many classrooms now host displaced families, forcing children out of education.

Kwara: Disruptions in Patigi LGA
Though less affected, schools in parts of Kwara North face low attendance due to fear of attacks. The state government is considering radio lessons for affected pupils as poor internet hinders online learning.

Worsening Outlook
Experts warn the closures will deepen illiteracy, poverty, and crime. UNICEF’s Michael Banda said the situation risks “locking millions of children into cycles of violence and hopelessness.” Educationists caution that an entire generation may miss out on learning if urgent steps are not taken.

Despite repeated efforts, security and education officials declined to comment on the growing crisis.

By Yusha’u A. Ibrahim, Abubakar Auwal (Sokoto), Tijjani Ibrahim (Katsina), Abubakar Akote (Minna), Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba (Kaduna), Ismail Adebayo (Birnin Kebbi), Hope Abah (Makurdi), Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin) & Idowu Isamotu (Abuja)
Daily Trust