The government of Niger has announced plans to move all boarding schools in the state to the capital, Minna, as a temporary measure due to ongoing security challenges.
This was part of the decisions taken after the state weekly executive council meetings held at the government in Minna on Wednesday, 1st November 2023.
The state commissioner for lands, Barrister Maurice Magaji who disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Thursday, 2nd November 2023, pointed out that the relocation of the schools is a temporary measure to avoid a repeat of the Government Science College Kagara experience where over 128 students, including their Teachers were abducted by Bandits from their hostels.
The decision should not be misconstrued as the government surrendering the fight against the bandits in the state. The government is intensifying efforts to ensure that the war against the criminal elements is won.”
Barrister Maurice Magaji – Commissioner for lands
Additionally, the state government aims to reclaim illegally acquired school lands in the capital to accommodate the relocated schools.
In a related move, the government plans to crack down on unaccredited private tertiary institutions, particularly those in the healthcare sector, to ensure compliance with educational standards.
Story: Christy Dung