Niger reopens schools Monday, 12th January

By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna 

The Niger state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has approved the reopening of both public and private schools across the state with effect from Monday, 12 January 2026.

The directive is contained in a press statement issued by the state Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed and made available to Newsmen in Minna.

The decision, according to the commissioner, followed a careful security assessments and extensive consultation with the relevant security agencies, in line with the  governor’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education for all children in the state.

The statement however, rolls out about seven conditions for the reopening of schools in the state which includes; that all schools in safe and secured areas should reopen on the said date; all public and private boarding schools in a secured and safe environments should reopen on the 12th January, 2026; that all private and public day and boarding schools located in an unsafe and unsecured areas, in the interim should remain closed until when they are assessed safe by the relevant security agencies.

Other conditions spelt out were that, the schools are mandated to register all the returning students on  resumption to the school, compiled lists must be sent to the ministry one week after resumption to ensure proper monitoring and documentation.

In addition, local government Chairmen have been directed to support the reopening process in their respective local councils for adequate provision of security presence within and around the school premises.

Meanwhile, Dr Hadiza Asabe Mohammed has disclosed  that for transparency and effective coordination, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education will release the list of both private and public schools to be reopened on Monday 12 January, 2026.

The Niger state government appreciates the patient, cooperation, support and understanding of the parents, school managers and the general public,stressing that the safety of students, teachers and school community remains paramount on the part of the state government.

All stakeholders have been enjoined to strictly adhere with the directives in the collective interest of peace, stability, safety and sustainable educational development of Niger state, while parents, guardians, proprietors, and other critical stakeholders are advised to take note.