Three states in the North-West geopolitical zone have officially announced resumption dates for the 2025/2026 second-term academic session, signaling a return to classrooms following a period of heightened security alerts and abduction fears.
The Ministries of Education in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states released separate directives over the weekend, outlining staggered resumption schedules for boarding and day students. The announcements come as a relief to parents and stakeholders following recent disruptions caused by banditry, including the abduction of students in Maga village, Kebbi State.
Sokoto: Enforcement of Strict Compliance
In Sokoto State, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has directed all boarding students to return to their various institutions on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Public and private day schools are scheduled to commence activities on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan Ala, has ordered a high-level monitoring exercise to ensure immediate academic take-off. In a statement signed by Ibrahim Mohammad Iya on behalf of the Commissioner, the Ministry warned that inspectors would be deployed to schools to enforce compliance.
“Teachers have been directed to commence academic activities from the day of resumption. Parents and guardians are urged to ensure the prompt return of their wards,” the statement read.
Kebbi: Clearing the Examination Backlog
Following the successful rescue and recovery operations after recent security threats, the Kebbi State Government has cleared all primary and secondary schools to reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.
However, the state has adopted a unique transitional week. According to a circular signed by Isah Ibrahim (SUBEB) and Aliyu Bagarawa (Ministry of Education), the first week of resumption (January 5–9) will be dedicated to conducting the outstanding first-term examinations that were suspended due to abduction fears.
Normal classroom teaching for the second term is slated to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026. The state governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, through the Ministry, stressed that monitoring teams would be on the ground to ensure that no school deviates from the approved timetable.
Katsina: Urgent WASSCE Deadlines
Katsina State has opted for a different timeline, particularly to accommodate Senior Secondary (SS3) students facing critical examination deadlines.
While boarding students were expected back as early as December 28, 2025, day students across the state have been granted an extended break, with a resumption date fixed for January 11, 2026.
The Ministry emphasized that SS3 students must utilize the current window to complete their WASSCE 2026 offline registration, which concluded its first phase on December 31. The government warned that any student who missed the registration window risks repeating the academic year.
Stakeholder Reactions
Parents and Teacher Associations (PTA) across the three states have expressed cautious optimism. While the resumption is welcomed to prevent a total collapse of the academic calendar, many are calling for sustained security presence around school perimeters.
The North-West zone remains a focal point for educational security, with the 2026 academic year expected to see increased collaboration between the Ministry of Education and local vigilante groups to safeguard the “Town-and-Gown” environment.
