Rasheeda Yahaya
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Bauchi State Chapter, has commended the State Government for approving the reopening of all Basic, Senior Secondary, and Tertiary Institutions across the state with effect from January 4, 2026.
In a statement signed by Mr. Nicholas Oshojah Afeso on behalf of the coalition, CSACEFA noted that the decision followed wide consultations with school principals, education managers, private school proprietors, and other critical stakeholders.
The coalition also welcomed the directive for the immediate reopening of the three Federal Government Unity Colleges in the state, in line with the approval of the Federal Ministry of Education.
While acknowledging that the decision reflects improvements in the security situation, CSACEFA expressed deep concern over the persistent attacks, kidnappings, and violent incidents targeting schools across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
The coalition warned that recent killings and mass abductions of students in some states underscore the continued vulnerability of learning institutions and the urgent need for sustained protection of schools.
CSACEFA commended Bauchi State for developing the Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools Policy, describing it as one of the most forward-looking frameworks in the North-East.
However, it stressed that policy approval alone is insufficient without full and effective implementation.
The coalition urged the state government to operationalise the policy across all local government areas with clear guidelines, timelines, and dedicated budgetary provisions, while strengthening school-based security systems, early-warning mechanisms, and community-led surveillance.
The group also called for the establishment of rapid-response emergency coordination mechanisms, mandatory safety training for teachers and school leaders, and the provision of psychosocial support services for learners and educators affected by insecurity.
On learning continuity, CSACEFA expressed concern that the closure of schools from November 23, 2025, due to insecurity—ahead of the scheduled first-term holiday—has resulted in significant loss of instructional time.
According to the coalition, the disruption has compressed the academic calendar and may undermine education quality without deliberate remedial measures.
It therefore urged education authorities to introduce academic adjustment measures, including calendar realignment, extended instructional time, and structured catch-up programmes, particularly for examination classes.
CSACEFA further called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to intensify patrols, improve intelligence-led policing, ensure rapid response to distress calls, and protect school infrastructure, stressing that school safety must remain a shared national priority.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with government, security agencies, communities, and the media to ensure that every child learns in a safe, secure, and violence-free environment.
