From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Nasarawa State government has ordered for the immediate closure of both public and private schools, as a proactive step to safeguard the lives of students in the state.
The decision was part of the resolutions at an expanded state executive council meeting, held on Wednesday at the Government House, Lafia.
Briefing journalists immediately after the meeting, state Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatu Sabo, said the decision to shut down both public and private schools in the state was as a result of the recent security threats across the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to her, government was already in possession of reports suggesting likely security threats in communities within the state, bordering the FCT, such as Gitata and Umaisha, thus the state government decided to close schools with immediate effect.
She, however, explained that the directive excludes the exit classes that are already writing their final examinations, especially in secondary schools.
The commissioner assured that her ministry will, in due course issue a circular to that effect even as she appealed to parents not to panic, saying that the state was safe but that the decision was taken as a proactive step to safeguard the lives of both pupils and students across the state.
“We are appealing to parents not to panic. We all know that Nasarawa State is safe but this decision was taken as a proactive measure to ensure that our children are safe and continue to remain safe. That is for those within the state and those that came from other states to study here.
“We want to also appeal to our principals and heads of respective schools, to also ensure that while we are closing these schools, we do it in an orderly manner.
“There’s no threat to any life or property as at now in Nasarawa State. And as I mentioned, it’s just part of government’s proactive measure. We are all aware, that His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has always prioritized security and safety of lives and property in Nasarawa State,” she said.
