Niger Govt Reopens Additional 2,451 Schools in 24 LGAs

The Niger State Government has approved the reopening of 2,451 public and private primary and secondary schools for the second phase of academic resumption, effective Monday, January 26, 2026.

This is coming two weeks after the state government reopened schools in some local government areas after closing down the schools in November following the abduction of students of St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri in Agwara local government area of the state.

This directive follows a comprehensive security assessment by relevant agencies and was announced in a statement released Saturday, January 24, 2026, by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

The reopening approval covers schools across 24 of the state’s 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), as the Ministry noted that schools in Paikoro Local Government Area remain closed, as security assessments in the area are still ongoing.

A list of cleared schools for Paikoro will be released at a later date.

According to the circular signed by the Director of Schools and Educational Services, Hassan Mohammed, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the resumption applies strictly to the schools listed in the “Phase Two” schedule.

The approved list details a total of 2,451 schools cleared for resumption.

The breakdown of the schools includes 478 schools in Chanchaga, Suleja has 363 schools, Bida has 226 schools, Bosso has 215 schools, Kontagora has 172 schools, Borgu has 124 schools, Mokwa has 101 schools, Lapai has 87 schools, Lavun has 84 schools, Shiroro has 77 schools, Agaie has 71 schools, and Gurara has 71 schools.

Others include 56 schools in Katcha, 52 schools in Tafa, 49 schools in Gbako, 45 schools in Rafi, 37 schools in Munya, 31 schools in Mashegu, 24 schools in Wushishi, 23 schools in Edati, 19 schools in Agwara, 19 schools in Magama, 14 schools in Mariga, and 13 schools in Rijau.

The Ministry advised parents and guardians to check the approved list to confirm their children’s schools are among those cleared, emphasizing that the decision prioritizes the safety of students and staff, as security agencies have been directed to ensure a safe learning environment as academic activities resume.