Yobe State Schools Closure

Yobe state schools closure November 2025: All boarding secondary schools shut over insecurity—full announcement, affected list, impacts, reopening plans & family guide

On November 22, 2025, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni ordered the immediate closure of all boarding secondary schools across the state, joining a wave of northern Nigerian responses to escalating banditry and school abductions. This precautionary measure affects thousands of students, prompted by recent mass kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger States, aiming to prevent attacks on vulnerable boarding facilities. As parents rush to collect children and communities brace for uncertainty, this exhaustive guide on Yobe state schools closure breaks down the directive, affected institutions, security backdrop, and practical steps for families—your complete resource as of November 24, 2025.

Official Announcement: What the Yobe Government Said

The closure was announced via a press statement from Mamman Mohammed, Director General of Press and Media Affairs to Governor Buni, following a security meeting with state chiefs.

Key excerpts:

• "Due to the recent security challenges... the government of Yobe State... directed that all boarding secondary schools in the state should be closed with immediate effect."
• Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Bukar Aji Bukar, issued the notice for "immediate closure... pending improvement in the situation."

The shutdown is temporary, with calls for prayers and calm from Special Adviser on Security, General Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.). Schools will reopen once security stabilizes.

Full statement via Daily Post Nigeria.

Scope of the Closure: All Boarding Secondary Schools Affected

The order targets all boarding secondary schools—public, private, and federal unity colleges with hostels.

• Public Boarding Schools: Comprehensive shutdown, including government-owned institutions in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Nguru.
• Private Boarding Facilities: Also included, as per the broad directive.
• Federal Unity Colleges: Yobe's FGC Buni Yadi and FTC Gashua (both boarding) fall under this, aligning with the federal closure of 41–47 unity schools nationwide.

No exact number of schools listed, but Yobe has ~200 secondary institutions, with 50+ boarding. Day schools remain open.

Governor Buni emphasized collaboration with vigilantes and locals for protection.

Timeline: When and Why the Closure Happened

The decision came swiftly amid a national surge in school attacks.

• November 17–18, 2025: 25 girls abducted in Kebbi State.
• November 21, 2025: 50–200+ students kidnapped from St. Mary's School, Agwara, Niger State.
• November 22, 2025: Yobe announces closure post-security meeting—same day as federal unity schools directive.
• November 23–24, 2025: Implementation begins; parents collect students amid panic.

This follows similar actions in Katsina (indefinite closure), Plateau (3-day shutdown), Kwara (50+ schools), and Taraba (day schooling only).

Quick CTA: Parents in Yobe—contact your child's school principal now for pickup details and safety protocols!

Security Context: Banditry and Abductions Driving the Shutdown

Yobe, in Nigeria's North-East, has faced Boko Haram remnants and bandit incursions since 2009.

Recent triggers:

• Porous borders with Niger and Borno enable cross-state raids.
• Intelligence of planned attacks on boarding schools (echoing 2014 Chibok).
• National pattern: Over 1,500 students abducted since 2014 (UNICEF data).

Governor Buni's proactive step aims to "protect lives and futures," per the statement. Security agencies assure reinforcements.

For historical context, see BBC on Nigeria school attacks.

Immediate Impacts: On Students, Parents, and Education

The closure disrupts ~10,000+ boarding students in Yobe.

• Students: Abrupt return home; exams postponed; mental health concerns from fear.
• Parents: Logistics chaos—travel costs, work disruptions; many in rural areas stranded.
• Teachers/Staff: Relocation or unpaid leave; boarding facilities empty.
• Education System: Learning gaps widen; calls for remote classes via radio/TV.

Communities report deserted roads and heightened vigilance.

What Happens Next: Reopening and Government Plans

No fixed reopening date—tied to "improvement in the situation."

Government steps:

• Enhanced patrols around schools and borders.
• Community engagement with vigilantes.
• Prayer calls for peace.

Advocates push for Safe Schools Initiative revival and federal funding.

Practical Advice for Affected Families

Stay proactive:

• Pickup Logistics: Coordinate with schools for transport; use state buses if available.
• Learning Continuity: Download free UBEC e-learning apps; join WhatsApp study groups.
• Safety Tips: Avoid night travel; report suspicious activity to 112.
• Mental Health: Talk to children; access free counseling via state hotlines.

For remote education, visit UBEC website.

The Yobe state schools closure of November 22, 2025, underscores Nigeria's urgent education security crisis—protecting children now while demanding long-term solutions.

What's your experience—parent, teacher, or resident? Share safely in comments. Forward to families in Yobe, and subscribe for reopening alerts. Advocate for safe schools—our future depends on it!