In a decisive move to protect students and staff, Gombe State government has ordered the immediate closure of public and private schools, citing growing security threats and a surge in violent attacks by bandits targeting educational institutions.
Gombe government described the shutdown as a necessary precaution to safeguard lives and prevent potential abductions of learners, educators, and to avoid throwing the state into jeopardy and moaning.
The directive was confirmed yesterday by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Esrom Toro, during a briefing with Local Education Secretaries.
Toro explained that the closure aligns with recent alerts across northern states, where schools have become targets for bandits.
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.”
Furthermore, Toro reassured parents, emphasising that the decision is preventive and should not trigger panic.
“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,” he added.
Moreover, the SUBEB chairman instructed schools to complete ongoing examinations before the closure, noting, “Examinations should be conducted between today and Friday. Schools must complete all pending assessments before closure.”
Furthermore, Toro revealed that the state’s Taskforce Committee on School Revitalisation would soon carry out inspections of selected schools, urging Education Secretaries to maintain accurate records.
“All Education Secretaries must ensure they have up-to-date information on every school under their jurisdiction. The taskforce committee will assess, analyse, and make recommendations for revitalisation,” he said.
The Guild reports that the review is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening basic education in Gombe, ensuring that schools are secure and ready for students when they reopen.
