Kwara Shuts 45 Public Schools Over Bandit Attacks
In a decisive move to safeguard lives and improve education management, the Kwara State Government has announced the closure of 45 public schools affected by repeated bandit attacks in various rural communities across the state.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Kawu, disclosed this after a high-level security and education stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin. She stated that the closure became necessary following persistent insecurity that endangered both teachers and students.
According to her, the affected schools mainly located in Edu, Patigi, Kaima, and Baruten Local Government Areas have been temporarily shut down while teachers and administrative staff are relocated to safer schools within nearby communities to continue their duties.
“Our priority is the safety of our children and teachers. We cannot allow learning to continue in areas frequently attacked by bandits. Relocation ensures no teacher loses their job while we strengthen security in those areas,” she said.
In a related development, the government also abolished all forms of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) levies in public schools, describing them as a burden on parents already grappling with economic hardship. Instead, the state has approved annual school grants to support maintenance, minor infrastructure, and administrative costs.
Hajia Kawu emphasized that the grants would be disbursed directly to school heads under strict monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability.
“No child should be denied education because of levies. The new grants system will help schools function effectively without overburdening parents,” she added.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational development, promising continued investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and rural school rehabilitation once security improves.
Security agencies have also been directed to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering in affected areas to ensure the safe reopening of the closed schools in due course.
