By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Editor’s Note: This article is based on fact-finding reports and investigations originally published by City Post, Daily Trust correspondents, and supported by UNICEF data. It provides an updated account of the worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria and its devastating impact on education.
At least 188 public schools across Northern Nigeria have been shut down due to worsening insecurity. Findings revealed that persistent bandit attacks on communities forced many schools to close, with some facilities now converted into shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In Zamfara alone, 39 schools were shut, while Niger recorded 30, Sokoto and Kaduna six each, Katsina 52, and Benue 55. The actual figure may be higher as many remote areas remain inaccessible.
The investigation excluded Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, where Boko Haram insurgency has disrupted education for more than 15 years. In some cases, temporary learning centres have been set up in IDP camps, while in rebuilt communities displaced families have begun returning with their children. Yet, many hard-to-reach areas remain cut off.
Regional Breakdown
Zamfara: 39 Schools Closed
Communities in Anka, Tsafe, and Kaura Namoda LGAs have seen schools deserted for over six years, with some converted into military camps. Residents lament that many children have been out of school for more than seven years.
Katsina: Dozens Abandoned
A 2024 UNICEF-supported study revealed 52 schools shut across Batsari, Faskari, and Kankara LGAs. Between 2020 and 2025, over 330 students were abducted, alongside 14 teachers, while five teachers were killed.
Niger: 30 Schools Deserted
Schools across Rafi, Shiroro, and Mariga LGAs remain empty, including Government Science College, Kagara—site of the 2021 mass abduction. Teachers report that children stay home for weeks whenever bandits are sighted nearby.
Sokoto: Six Schools Shut
Prominent schools such as Federal Government Technical College, Wurno; Government Girls’ Secondary School, Rabah; and Adamu Mu’azu Science Secondary School, Goronyo remain closed years after shutdown. In Isa LGA, bandits have even turned schools into resting points.
Kaduna: Villages Deserted
At least six schools in Kajuru LGA have been abandoned after villages were deserted. In Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs, displaced pupils are crammed into classrooms in urban areas.
Kebbi: Fear After Birnin Yauri Attack
Schools remain closed in Danko Wasagu following the 2021 abduction of 96 girls from Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri. Parents now prefer sending children only to schools near towns.
Benue: 55 Schools Shut in 2024
Recurring attacks left 55 schools closed or destroyed, mostly in Guma, Logo, Agatu, Kwande, and Gwer West LGAs. Many classrooms now host displaced families, forcing children out of education.
Kwara: Disruptions in Patigi LGA
Though less affected, schools in parts of Kwara North face low attendance due to fear of attacks. The state government is considering radio lessons for affected pupils as poor internet hampers online learning.
Worsening Outlook
This crisis comes despite Northern states already recording the highest numbers of out-of-school children in Nigeria. UNICEF’s 2024 report estimated 10.2 million primary school-age children and 8.1 million junior secondary school-age children nationwide are not in school.
Data from the National Mass Education Programme Initiative (NMPI) shows Katsina has 1.4 million out-of-school children (45.9% of its school-age population), Kebbi 67.6% (1.06 million children), and Sokoto 1.25 million—placing them at the top of national rankings.
Experts warn the closures will deepen illiteracy, poverty, and crime. UNICEF’s Michael Banda said the situation risks “locking millions of children into cycles of violence and hopelessness.” Educationists caution that an entire generation may miss out on learning if urgent steps are not taken.
Despite repeated efforts, both security and education officials declined to comment on the growing crisis.
