Students in parts of Edo State who have been out of school due to security concerns are expected to return to their classrooms on Monday, June 15, following a government directive to reopen affected schools.
The decision comes days after three schools in Akoko Edo were temporarily shut down over fears of a possible attack by bandits.
The affected schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School.
Governor Monday Okpebolo had ordered the closure on Tuesday after the Department of State Services (DSS) raised an alert about a planned attack on some schools in the state.
However, in a circular issued on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, announced that the schools would resume academic activities on June 15.
According to the government, the decision followed a comprehensive review of the security situation in collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders.
Officials said additional security measures and safety mechanisms have been put in place across the affected communities and schools to protect students, teachers, and other school personnel.
“The government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other school personnel and the schools should be re-opened on Monday June 15,” the circular stated.
The government also directed all public and private schools affected by the earlier closure order to resume normal academic and administrative activities from Monday.
School heads and proprietors were advised to prepare for the safe return of students and staff while maintaining close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials.
For many students, the reopening means a return to learning after days of uncertainty. It also highlights the growing importance of school safety as security concerns
continue to affect education in some parts of the country.
The Edo State Government reassured parents and guardians that adequate security measures have been deployed and promised to keep monitoring the situation to protect lives, property, and the education sector.
Parents have also been encouraged to ensure their children return to school promptly so academic activities can continue without further disruption.
The temporary closure followed reports that the DSS had alerted security agencies about a planned mass abduction of students in the state. While classes are set to resume, the development serves as a reminder of the need to keep schools safe and secure for every learner.
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