Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has ordered the temporary closure of all schools across the state on or before Friday, citing heightened security concerns.
The directive was announced on Monday by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Esrom Toro, during a meeting with Local Education Secretaries in Gombe.
The action follows increased security alerts across northern Nigeria after recent attacks and student abductions reported in some states.
Toro explained that the governor’s decision was informed by rising national security tensions, especially the surge in targeted school attacks.
He said, “His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has directed that all schools should be closed on or before Friday, 28th November 2025.
“This is purely a cautionary measure to safeguard the lives of our pupils, students, teachers, and school administrators.”
He urged residents not to misinterpret the closure, describing it as a preventive strategy aimed at averting any potential tragedy.
He added, “Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains fully committed to protecting the people of Gombe State.
We urge parents not to panic. Government is doing everything possible to curtail insecurity and ensure our children are safe.”
Toro directed that all schools conclude their ongoing examinations within the week.
“Examinations should be conducted between today and Friday. Schools must complete all pending assessments before closure,” he said.
He also disclosed that a Taskforce Committee on School Revitalisation would soon begin a statewide assessment of selected schools.
He urged Education Secretaries to ensure they maintain accurate records of institutions under their care.
He stated, “All Education Secretaries must ensure they have accurate and up-to-date information on every school under their jurisdiction.
The taskforce committee will be visiting selected schools to assess, analyse, and make recommendations for revitalisation.”
According to him, the planned assessment is part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the basic education sector.
He said the findings would guide government interventions to enhance infrastructure and ensure schools remain safe and conducive for learning when they reopen.