The Kogi State Government has ordered the temporary closure of schools across the state, citing security intelligence and the need to protect pupils, students and teachers.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, announced the decision on Tuesday while speaking with journalists in Lokoja.
He said the action was taken as a precaution and not in response to any immediate attack on schools.
“This decision was not borne out of panic, but of responsibility,” Mr Fanwo said. “We chose to act proactively rather than wait for avoidable incidents.”
He said Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed all relevant agencies to put measures in place to ensure schools resume as soon as conditions permit, in order to minimise disruption to the academic calendar.
“Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately deploy necessary modalities to ensure that schools resume academic activities as soon as it is safe,” Mr Fanwo said.
The commissioner said the decision followed intelligence reports shared by security agencies, which he described as timely and actionable.
According to him, security operatives are already working to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
He added, “The safety of our children, teachers, and educational institutions remains non-negotiable. This administration will always prioritise lives while ensuring continuity in governance and education.”
Following the government’s directive, private schools were also asked to comply with the closure.
The Kogi State Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Reuben Jimoh, directed members to adjust their academic calendar by bringing forward the midterm break.
“The midterm break for school has been fast-forwarded and we shall be resuming back on 16/02/2026,” Mr Jimoh said in a message to school owners. “No school should go against this adjustment.”
The school closure comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Kogi State.
