Borno begins stakeholder engagement on reopening schools

The two military commanders pledged their commitment to securing the affected schools and creating a safe environment for teaching and learning.

The delegation subsequently paid courtesy visits to the Emir of Askira, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama, and the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Samaila Mamza.

The traditional rulers welcomed the initiative, offered their blessings and pledged the support of traditional institutions and local communities towards the safe reopening of the schools.

Wakilbe highlighted the role of traditional rulers in mobilising communities, encouraging school enrolment and supporting the implementation of Safe School protocols.

Communities Urged to Support School Safety

At the Askira-Uba Local Government Secretariat, the commissioner met with the Council Chairman, Hon. Mada Saidu, his Vice, Hon. Bilyaminu Umar Ngulde, and members of the Legislative Council.

He urged the council to strengthen its ownership of basic education and increase support for the Safe School Initiative, particularly in communities affected by insecurity.

The council chairman reaffirmed the local government’s readiness to work with the state government to keep schools open while ensuring the protection of learners.

Members of the delegation also held town-hall meetings with community leaders and other stakeholders in Lassa, Dille and Chul.

Discussions at the meetings focused on community-led school safety, parental mobilisation, early reporting of security threats and sustained cooperation among communities, education authorities and security agencies.

The commissioner urged residents to take active ownership of the protection of schools and support efforts to encourage children to return to the classroom when the schools reopen.

Among the traditional and community leaders who participated were the Acting District Head of Lassa, Mr Wadzani Hamadu; Wakilin District Head, Samuwa, Mallam Abdulla; Wakilin District Head, Dille, Mr James Indagiju; and Village Head, Dille, Mr Anthony Ijai Mamza.

Schools Assessed Ahead of Resumption

The engagement concluded with a review session involving Education Secretaries, Head Teachers and Principals from the affected schools.

Wakilbe assessed the readiness of the schools and directed administrators and teachers to begin preparations for an effective resumption once the necessary security arrangements are confirmed.

He urged school administrators to maintain close coordination with the Ministry, local government authorities, traditional institutions, host communities and security agencies.

He also directed them to ensure full compliance with Safe School protocols as part of preparations for reopening.

The review session provided school administrators with an opportunity to raise operational concerns and discuss practical measures for a smooth return to academic activities.

The state government has yet to announce a specific reopening date for the affected schools, with the timing dependent on the confirmation of adequate security arrangements.

The stakeholder engagement represents part of the state’s efforts to balance the need to restore access to education with the safety concerns that prompted the closure of the schools.

The government is expected to continue consultations with security agencies, traditional institutions, local authorities and communities before final arrangements for reopening are concluded.