Kwara Reopens Schools After Security-Driven Shutdown

Kwara Reopens Schools After Security-Driven Shutdown

The Kwara State Government has approved the reopening of all schools across the state from Monday, February 2, 2026, following a significant improvement in the security situation that had forced  closures in parts of Kwara South.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, confirmed that school authorities have been formally notified of the resumption of academic activities. The decision comes as security forces continue operations to neutralise threats and protect communities, including educational institutions.
“The government deems the situation now to be a lot better than it was before. Even so, we continue to maintain vigilance,” the statement said.

The reopening followed  disruption after the government shut down schools in several Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara South late last year  due to escalating insecurity. The closure order, issued by the Ministry of Education and communicated through the Nigeria Union of Teachers, affected schools in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin and Oke-Ero LGAs as a precautionary measure to safeguard pupils and teachers amid mounting threats from armed groups and bandit attacks.
The deteriorating security situation was driven in part by a series of violent incidents, including raids on communities and attacks on places of worship. One such attack occurred in the Eruku community of Ekiti LGA, where gunmen ambushed a church, killing worshippers and abducting others — a development that heightened fear across the region and underscored the risks facing civilians.
In response to the insecurity, State  Government took additional protective actions, including the temporary closure of tertiary institutions in volatile zones and relocation of some activities to safer locations as part of broader efforts to protect students and staff.

While the improved security landscape has paved the way for schools to reopen, government officials emphasised that joint operations by military and other security agencies remain ongoing to sustain recent gains. They also highlighted efforts to build community vigilance and resilience to prevent a resurgence of violent attacks.
Parents, educators, and community leaders have welcomed the reopening but continue to urge sustained security measures to ensure that schools remain safe environments for learning.