Public schools in Sokoto and Kwara States resumed academic activities for the second term on Monday, January 5, 2026, with authorities emphasizing safety measures and alternative learning options amid persistent security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria.
In Sokoto State, primary and junior secondary schools reopened statewide, while Kwara State directed resumption in most areas but excluded locations under special security surveillance, simultaneously launching a radio-based learning programme.
The resumption follows the end of the first-term holiday, with both states balancing educational continuity against renewed banditry and insecurity affecting several northern regions.
Both states also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding children’s academic futures, with monitoring teams in Sokoto and alternative learning programmes in Kwara addressing prevailing security realities.
Sokoto SUBEB Executive Chairman Umar Nagwari Tambuwal confirmed the resumption date on Monday and urged cooperation from parents, guardians, community leaders, SBMCs, and PTAs. In Kwara, the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, through its Spokesperson, Peter Amogbonjaye, announced the date in a statement.
“We welcome our children and teachers back to school across the state. Learning activities are to resume immediately in all areas except those earlier identified to be under special security surveillance. This structured school resumption is designed to keep our children safe amid renewed security operations. Normal school activities will resume in such areas very soon,” Amogbonjaye stated, quoting Commissioner for Education, Lawal Olohungbebe.
“In collaboration with TESCOM and SUBEB, the Ministry wishes our children, teachers, and parents a blessed New Year and an academic session filled with great insights and successes,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has introduced a radio-based learning initiative to expand learning access beyond traditional classroom structures.
Highlighting the creativity of the Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq administration, the initiative is supported by UNICEF and Nigeria Learning Passport and began on Monday, January 5.
The statement explained that the radio programme will air on 99.1 Midland FM at 11 a.m. on Mondays, 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. Additional radio stations will soon be added to widen access across the state, it added.
