The Edo State Government has directed schools earlier closed over security concerns to resume academic activities on Monday, following a review of the security situation in collaboration with relevant security agencies.
The directive was contained in a circular issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Enodolomwanyi Otamere.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had on Tuesday ordered the temporary closure of Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School, and Makeke Secondary School in Akoko Edo, Edo North, following a security alert from the Department of State Services (DSS) over a reported threat of bandit attacks on some schools in the state.
According to the latest circular, the decision to reopen the affected schools was taken after a comprehensive security assessment conducted by the state government in conjunction with security agencies and other stakeholders.
The government said enhanced security measures have been put in place, with additional deployments across affected communities and schools to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other school personnel.
“The government is satisfied that the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other school personnel, and the schools should be re-opened on Monday, June 15,” the circular stated.
It added that all affected public and private schools are expected to resume normal academic and administrative activities from June 15.
School heads, proprietors, and education authorities were instructed to make adequate preparations for the safe return of students and staff, while maintaining close coordination with security agencies, community leaders, and government officials to sustain a secure learning environment.
The government also reassured parents and guardians that adequate security measures had been deployed across schools and pledged continued monitoring of the situation to safeguard lives and property.
It urged parents and guardians to ensure their children and wards return to school promptly to resume academic activities.
The closure had followed a DSS alert warning of a planned mass abduction of students in parts of the state.
