At least 65 primary and secondary schools have been shut down or rendered non-functional across several northern states due to insecurity.

The affected schools are in Sokoto, Benue, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Kebbi, while insecurity has also disrupted academic activities in Katsina, Adamawa and other parts of the North.

The closures followed terrorist and bandit attacks, abductions, displacement and fears of further attacks on students and teachers.

Sokoto has recorded one of the most widespread disruptions, with schools in 20 of its 23 local government areas shut indefinitely, following a Federal Government directive. However, schools in Sokoto North, Sokoto South and Wamakko were exempted.

Benue has also been heavily affected, with 35 schools identified as shut across Kwande, Gwer West, Guma and Logo LGAs. Some pupils have relocated to safer communities, while others have dropped out following the displacement of their families.

In Borno, two schools in Askira-Uba were recently closed following attacks and student abductions. In Plateau, seven schools across Riyom and Barkin Ladi have also experienced disruptions.

Education experts have warned that prolonged school closures could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, while exposing children to risks including child labour, early marriage and recruitment by criminal groups.

The Federal Government says it is strengthening the Safe Schools Initiative through a dedicated department and a new national framework involving security agencies. The plan includes perimeter fencing, solar lighting, security personnel, technology and monitoring systems.

Experts, however, say urgent action is needed to restore security and reopen affected schools, warning that continued disruption could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s education system and the future of millions of children.