The Kwara State Government has ordered the closure of at least 45 public schools following a series of bandit attacks in some parts of the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (KWSUBEB), Prof. Sheu Ibrahim Adaramaja, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inter-ministerial press briefing organised by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.
According to him, the affected schools are located in vulnerable communities including Babanla, Baba Sango, Sangbe, and Oke-Ode, among others.
“The decision to shut down these schools was taken in the interest of safety to protect our students and teachers from possible attacks by suspected bandits operating in those areas,” Adaramaja said.
He explained that while the schools remain closed, teachers from the affected communities have been redeployed to safer schools, ensuring that learning continues and their salaries are sustained.
Adaramaja emphasized that the move is a temporary but necessary measure to safeguard the lives of pupils and teachers until security improves in the affected regions.
“The state government is working closely with security agencies to restore normalcy and enable the safe reopening of the schools,” he assured.
Beyond the closures, the chairman announced that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the 2025 promotion exercise for teachers across the state, describing it as a morale-boosting step aimed at improving academic performance in public schools.
“This is aimed at boosting the morale of our teachers and ultimately improving academic outcomes for pupils in our public schools,” he said.
Adaramaja also revealed that the government has abolished the payment of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies in all public schools, a decision expected to bring financial relief to parents struggling with the rising cost of living.
“Families can now channel those funds toward other pressing household needs, especially in light of current economic challenges,” he added.
In addition, the state government has approved the disbursement of annual grants to all public schools to strengthen operations and maintain facilities.
Despite the security setbacks, Adaramaja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education.
“We will continue to do everything within our capacity to ensure pupils in Kwara receive quality education in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.
Education stakeholders have commended the government’s proactive measures, noting that safeguarding learners must remain a priority. However, many also called for long-term security interventions and community-based vigilance efforts to prevent future disruptions.
The closure of 45 schools adds to the growing concern over the impact of insecurity on education in northern and central Nigeria, where banditry and communal conflicts have forced thousands of children out of classrooms.
Kwara State, known for its steady progress in basic education reforms, now faces the task of balancing security management with educational continuity which is a challenge that underscores the urgent need for collaborative action between government agencies, local communities, and security operatives.
As the government works to stabilize the affected areas, the hope remains that learning will soon resume in all communities, reaffirming education as a tool for peace, progress, and resilience in Kwara State.
