Over 180 schools in Northern Nigeria remain closed due to insecurity, leaving thousands of children out of classrooms and deepening the region’s education crisis.
At least 188 public schools have been shut down across Northern Nigeria due to worsening insecurity, Daily Trust investigation reveals. The closures, caused by attacks from bandits and insurgents, have displaced thousands of pupils, with some classrooms now serving as camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) or security operatives. Findings show 39 schools closed in Zamfara, 30 in Niger, six each in Sokoto and Kaduna, 52 in Katsina, and 55 in Benue. Many of the affected institutions have been abandoned for years.
“This is a serious blow to the future of our children. The government must take decisive and urgent action to restore security and return children to school,” said Alhaji Zakari Shinaka, a former Sole Administrator in Sokoto.
UNICEF estimates that Nigeria has between 10 and 20 million out-of-school children, one of the highest figures globally. Educationists warn that prolonged closures could fuel poverty, crime, and illiteracy, urging urgent government intervention.