Amid rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across the country, the Taraba State Government has directed all public and private secondary schools to immediately suspend boarding activities and operate strictly as day schools until further notice.
The directive, issued by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin, follows growing concerns over targeted attacks on boarding students in several states.
“It has been observed that boarding students, whether in public or private secondary schools, have become prime targets for bandits, especially in light of the recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger States,” the letter stated.
According to the circular dated Friday, November 21, 2025, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas ordered the statewide deboarding as a proactive measure to safeguard students.
“In view of the unhealthy security situation in the country, His Excellency has directed the deboarding of all students—meaning all schools should operate as day schools for now. All principals and proprietors are to comply without delay,” the statement added.
The letter was addressed to all principals and proprietors of secondary schools in the state, with copies sent to the Executive Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Management Board, the Chairman of the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON), and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS).
Plateau State Also Orders School Shutdown
Similarly, the Plateau State Government announced an immediate closure of all basic schools due to what it described as “potential threats.”
In a statement issued by the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), the government ordered:
Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) to close from Saturday, November 22, 2025
Primary and day schools to close from Monday, November 24, 2025
The statement, signed by Richard Jonah on behalf of PSUBEB management, emphasized the need to prioritize student safety in light of emerging security concerns.
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