The Kwara State Government has officially directed the Kwara schools reopening for public and private institutions across the state, effective Monday, January 5th. This significant decision comes after a thorough assessment of the prevailing security situation and in conjunction with ongoing operations by various security agencies. While the majority of schools are set to resume, certain areas identified as being under special security surveillance will remain temporarily closed, reflecting a cautious and strategic approach to ensure the safety of students and staff.
This directive marks a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in the education sector, which has faced intermittent disruptions due to escalating insecurity. The government’s move signals a commitment to prioritize learning while actively addressing the underlying security challenges that have previously led to school closures in various parts of the state. Parents, teachers, and students alike are now preparing for a return to classrooms, albeit with a heightened awareness of the security landscape.
The Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, through its press secretary Peter Amogbonjaye, confirmed the decision, stating that the phased resumption is designed to protect pupils and teachers. Commissioner Lawal Olohungbebe emphasized that learning activities are to resume immediately in all but the specifically identified areas, assuring the public that normal school operations would soon commence in those locations as security operations continue to stabilize the environment. This structured approach underpins the government’s dedication to balancing educational continuity with the paramount need for safety.
The state government’s efforts extend beyond physical school reopening. Recognising the challenges faced by students in areas where schools remain shut, a innovative radio-based learning program has been introduced. This initiative, supported by UNICEF and the Nigeria Learning Passport, aims to bridge the educational gap, ensuring that no child is left behind due to security concerns or temporary school closures.
What is radio learning for schools in Kwara State? The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Nigeria Learning Passport, launched a radio-based learning program to ensure continued education for students, especially those in areas where schools remain temporarily closed due to security concerns.
The radio learning program is set to commence on the same day as the school reopening, Monday, January 5th. Lessons will be broadcast on Midland FM 99.1 at 11 a.m. on Mondays, 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. The Ministry plans to integrate additional radio stations into the program to expand its reach and accessibility across the state, making vital educational content available to a wider audience, particularly in remote or affected communities.
The background to these measures includes the closure of schools in parts of Kwara State in November 2025 following reports of fresh security threats in Kwara South. Local government areas such as Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti were particularly affected by these directives. The Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kwara State wing, had confirmed the shutdown, citing the security challenges ravaging the area as the primary reason for the government’s action. This period of closure underscored the severity of the security landscape at the time.
Prior to the closures, a deadly bandit attack on a church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, resulted in the tragic loss of three worshippers and the abduction of over 35 individuals. This heinous incident galvanized Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration to strengthen security infrastructure. Plans were announced to establish a Forward Operating Base for the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in the affected area, demonstrating a proactive stance against banditry and other criminal activities.
Today’s directive for Kwara schools reopening reflects an improvement in the overall security situation across much of the state. While certain flashpoints necessitate continued vigilance and restrictions, authorities are working diligently to declare these areas safe for full academic activities. The collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) is crucial for ensuring a smooth return to classrooms and providing necessary support for teachers and students.
This comprehensive approach, combining targeted security operations with innovative educational solutions like radio learning, aims to foster a resilient educational system in Kwara State. The government’s commitment to the well-being and academic future of its children remains unwavering, ensuring that education continues to thrive even in the face of evolving security landscapes. The Kwara schools reopening signifies a renewed hope for uninterrupted learning and progress for all students in the state.
