Why Katsina Shut All Schools While Other States Did Not
Security Concerns Spark Debate Over State’s Drastic Measure

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KatsinaTimes

Questions continue to emerge over the Katsina State Government’s decision to close all schools across the state, even as armed bandit attacks hit schools in Niger and Kebbi states earlier this week.

Reports confirm attacks on schools in Niger and Kebbi, raising public alarm. However, unlike Katsina, these affected states did not shut down all their schools. Similarly, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states have continued with regular academic activities in most of their schools. In Kwara State, only four schools were closed due to localized security threats.

In Katsina, the government’s decision to shut down all schools has sparked debate and questions over why the state opted for a more extreme approach than others facing similar security challenges.

Some analysts believe the state government is acting preemptively to prevent a security crisis, while others caution that a complete school closure could disrupt academic calendars, exams, and students’ educational progress.

Currently, the question on many minds remains: “What sets Katsina apart from other states grappling with security challenges that have not closed their schools?”

Observers say there is a need for clear communication from authorities outlining the reasons, timeline, and measures for safely reopening schools to ensure both security and uninterrupted learning.