Borno Seeks Military Security Guarantee to Reopen Seven Schools Shut by Insecurity
For children in parts of Borno State, returning to the classroom is still dependent on one thing: whether it is safe to go back to school.
The Borno State Government is seeking firm security guarantees from the military and community leaders before reopening seven schools that were shut following attacks and insecurity in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas.
The affected schools serve communities in Mussa, Kautikari and Lassa, where insecurity had disrupted the education of children and forced pupils, students and teachers away from their classrooms.
The Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engineer Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the government was determined to restore access to education but would not compromise the safety of children or teachers.
“The safety of our pupils, students and teachers remains non-negotiable,” Wakilbe said during stakeholder engagements in the two local government areas.
The Commissioner held discussions with commanders of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, and the 115 Task Force Battalion, Askira-Uba, who pledged the military’s commitment to securing the schools and their surrounding communities.
For families who have watched insecurity disrupt their children’s education, the planned reopening represents a potential return to normality—but one that must be matched with confidence that their children can leave home for school and return safely.
Communities Asked to Help Keep Schools Safe
Wakilbe also met with the Emirs of Askira and Uba, local government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders, seeking their support for the Safe School Initiative.
He urged community leaders to encourage parents to allow their children to return to school once security arrangements are confirmed.
At town-hall meetings in Lassa, Dille and Chul, residents and other stakeholders discussed ways communities could play a direct role in protecting schools.
The discussions focused on early reporting of suspicious activities and security threats, community-led school safety and closer cooperation between residents, education authorities and security agencies.
Schools Prepare for Possible Resumption
The Commissioner subsequently met Education Secretaries, Head Teachers and Principals of the affected schools and directed them to begin preparations for effective resumption once the necessary security arrangements are in place.
He urged school administrators to maintain close communication with security agencies and other relevant authorities while strictly observing Safe School protocols.
The government’s approach means the reopening of the seven schools will depend not simply on the availability of classrooms and teachers, but on whether the security arrangements can give families enough confidence to send their children back.
For the pupils whose education has been interrupted by violence, the ultimate hope is simple: to return to their classrooms, learn without fear and begin rebuilding a future that insecurity has disrupted.
