By Correspondent in Minna
The Niger state government has closed all Public Secondary Schools for two weeks from Friday, 12 to March 26 2021 as part to end security threatsto public and private secondary schools in the state.
The Reporters reports that the closure of such educational institutions is coming on the heels of an emergency consultative meeting between the leadership of Association of the Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Niger state branch, the Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS) and the Executive Chairman, Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB).
The meeting also include Heads of Education Agencies, Directors of the Ministry and other stakeholders of the sector.
The Information Officer, Niger State Ministry Of Education, Jibrin Usman Kodo, in a statement in Minna and available to the online publication on Thursday said the directive was based on the decisions earlier taken during an interface the Ministry had with officials from various security agencies in the state.
“Though 22 Secondary Schools; 11 Day and 11 boarding schools have earlier been closed by the state government, the two weeks closure of all the Secondary Schools across the state has become necessary to enable security agencies conduct comprehensive risk assessment of all
public secondary schools.
“The exercise, when completed, will provide an all-inclusive mechanism and strategies that will restore and guarantee sustainable security and safety of students and academic infrastructure, the eeducation managers and teachers across the state.
“The state Ministry of Education also used the opportunity to commend stakeholders and partners in the sectors including; parents and host communities for their patience, understanding and support in this trying time.
“In the Memo, titled, ‘Niger State Ministry of Education Directs the closure of all public secondary schools in the State”, the state government reiterates its commitment toward leaving no stone unturned at ensuring that all Schools are safe environments for teaching and learning,” the Public Relations Officer said.
While urging Nigerlites not to relent in their show of solidarity, the, he however reminded all Nigerlites that the task of surmounting security challenges, especially in schools, should not be left to the government alone but should be te concerns of all.
