Yobe State Government has announced plans to reopen schools across the state following extensive consultations with security agencies, traditional rulers and education stakeholders on the Safe Schools Policy.
This followed a high-level meeting held at the Government House Conference Hall, Damaturu, on Tuesday, to deliberate on modalities for the safe reopening of schools earlier closed due to security concerns.
The meeting was convened and chaired by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni.
In his opening remarks, Governor Buni said the meeting was in line with the Federal Government’s directive for schools nationwide to resume academic activities, noting that the temporary closure of schools in Yobe was a proactive step to avert potential security threats.
He reassured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain the top priority of his administration.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant security agencies, community leaders and education stakeholders to sustain peace and stability in Yobe State,” the governor said.
Buni further described education as a critical pillar for peace, unity and national development, stressing that his administration would intensify efforts to prevent any security challenges capable of disrupting learning activities.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Governor directed the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Associate Prof. Abba Adam Idris, to brief journalists on the outcome.
Briefing newsmen, Idris announced that all schools in Yobe State would reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. He said comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place to ensure the safety of schools, with the cooperation of school authorities, parents, guardians and other stakeholders.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd.), said consultations with security agencies and education stakeholders indicated that students could safely resume academic activities. He added that specific security measures would not be disclosed for strategic reasons.
The meeting was attended by the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Muhammad Abali Ibn Muhammad Idrissa; commissioners for Higher Education and Basic and Secondary Education; the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Yobe chapter; and the Executive Secretary of the Science and Technical Schools Board.
Others present included principals of Nigerian Tulip International Colleges (NTIC), Federal Government College (FGC) Gashua, Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC) Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, the Chairman of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), as well as heads of security agencies who are members of the State Security Council.
