Private school proprietors and administrators have been urged to "strictly comply" with the government’s order to avoid punitive measures, as the state has made clear that violations will not be tolerated.
The Niger State government has issued a stern warning to private schools across the state, directing them not to resume academic activities on January 5 until an official resumption date is announced.
The order, issued through the Niger State Private Schools Board and signed by Information Officer, Khadijat Umar on Friday made it clear that "any private school found resuming classes without official approval risks immediate closure."
The notice states that the resumption date for private schools would be formally communicated by the Executive Governor, Umaru Bago. The board stressed that the directive is necessary to ensure "uniform compliance with government regulations" governing academic calendars.
Private school proprietors and administrators have been urged to "strictly comply" with the government’s order to avoid punitive measures, as the state has made clear that violations will not be tolerated.
On November 22, 2025, it was reported that the Niger State Government ordered the closure of all public and private Primary and Secondary Schools across the State.
Governor Bago stated this shortly after the security meeting with heads of security agencies following the recent kidnapping of School children at St Mary’s Catholic School Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the State
Governor Bago said all Missionary, Islamic Schools and Federal Government Colleges including FGC Minna, have also been shut down until further notice.
Tertiary Institutions are not affected except for those in the defined vulnerable areas in Niger North and East Senatorial Districts respectively.
The development came after the traumatic abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.
The pupils were kidnapped on November 21, 2025, after gunmen stormed the boarding school, an attack that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed fears over the safety of schools across Nigeria.
Authorities said the successful release was achieved through sustained security pressure and coordinated efforts, as public calls grow louder for stronger protection of educational institutions and decisive measures to prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
The schools are managed by the OLA Sisters and owned by the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, which is part of the Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province.
On Thursday, December 25,2025, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora formally brought closure to the incident, confirming that all affected pupils and staff have been rescued, verified, and reunited with their families following a detailed reconciliation exercise.
In a press statement dated Thursday, December 25, 2025, and signed by the Bishop of Kontagora, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Diocese disclosed that a final verification confirmed that 230 pupils and staff members were abducted during the attack in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State and have since regained their freedom.
The Diocese explained that the reconciliation process was necessary to address public concerns and conflicting figures that emerged in the immediate aftermath of the November 21 abduction, which occurred amid panic and confusion.
According to the statement, the verified abducted persons consisted of 12 staff members, 14 students, and 204 pupils. The Bishop confirmed that all those affected have now been safely reunited with their families, stressing that no one remains missing.