The Gombe State Government has directed that all schools across the state be closed on or before Friday as part of precautionary measures in response to rising security concerns in the country.
The directive was announced on Monday by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Esrom Toro, during a meeting with Local Education Secretaries at the board’s headquarters in Gombe.
Toro said the decision followed heightened alerts on attacks targeting educational institutions in parts of northern Nigeria.
According to him, Gov. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya approved the closure to safeguard pupils, students, teachers and school administrators amid the prevailing situation.
He said, “His Excellency has directed that all schools be closed on or before Friday, 28th November 2025. This is a cautionary step to protect lives and avert any incident.”
The SUBEB chairman assured that the decision was not to cause panic but to ensure proactive measures were taken while security agencies intensify surveillance.
“We urge parents to remain calm. Government is doing everything possible to address insecurity and keep our children safe,” he added.
Toro further directed that all ongoing examinations be completed before the closure.
“Examinations should be conducted between today and Friday. Schools must round off all assessments within this period,” he said.
He also announced that a Taskforce Committee on School Revitalisation would begin statewide assessments of selected schools to strengthen infrastructure and improve safety measures.
“All Education Secretaries must ensure they maintain accurate and updated records of schools under their supervision. The committee will visit selected schools for assessment and recommendations,” he said.
The directive comes as several northern states adopt emergency safety measures following recent mass abductions.
On November 21, gunmen abducted 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School, Papiri in Niger State. Earlier, 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from a boarding school in Kebbi State, where the vice principal was also killed.
The Federal Government recently ordered the temporary closure of 47 Unity Colleges nationwide, while states such as Katsina and Bauchi have also shut public schools to prevent similar attacks.
Authorities in Gombe say schools will resume when security improves across the state.
