The Borno State Government has sought firm security guarantees from the military and community stakeholders ahead of plans to reopen seven schools shut down due to insecurity in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas.
The State Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, made the request during a stakeholder engagement in the two local government areas.
Wakilbe said the safety of pupils, students and teachers remained non-negotiable, stressing the need for adequate security arrangements before the affected schools resume academic activities.
The commissioner held discussions with commanders of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, and 115 Task Force Battalion, Askira-Uba, who pledged the military’s commitment to securing the schools and their host communities.
He also met with the Emirs of Askira and Uba, local government officials, traditional rulers and community leaders, urging them to support the Safe School Initiative and encourage parents to return their children to school.
At town-hall meetings in Lassa, Dille and Chul, stakeholders discussed community-led school safety, early reporting of security threats and stronger collaboration between communities, education authorities and security agencies.
Wakilbe later met with education secretaries, head teachers and principals of the affected schools and directed them to prepare for resumption once security arrangements are confirmed.
The affected schools were shut following attacks on Mussa, Kautikari and Lassa communities.
