By Ayo Kehinde
The Edo State Government has ordered the reopening of schools that were earlier shut in parts of the state over security threats, announcing that affected public and private institutions will resume full academic activities on Monday, June 15, 2026, following a comprehensive review of the security situation.
The directive was contained in an official circular issued by the Edo State Ministry of Education on June 12, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Enodolomwanyi Otamere, after authorities concluded that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee the safety of students, teachers and school personnel.
The development comes days after the state government temporarily ordered the closure of some schools in vulnerable communities following security concerns linked to intelligence reports warning of possible attacks and kidnapping threats targeting educational institutions in parts of the state.
In the latest circular, the government said the decision to reopen the affected schools followed extensive consultations and a comprehensive review conducted in collaboration with security agencies and key stakeholders.
According to the statement, the state government noted that the security situation had improved considerably following the implementation of enhanced safety protocols and deployment of additional security mechanisms around affected communities and schools.
The circular stated that authorities were now satisfied that the necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and other personnel within the affected institutions.
“Further to Circular Ref. No. MOE/PS/CIR/001 dated 9th June, 2026, on the temporary closure of some schools due to security concerns, the Edo State Government wishes to inform all stakeholders and the general public that the security situation has been comprehensively reviewed in collaboration with relevant security agencies and other critical stakeholders”, the circular read.
It added that following the deployment of strengthened security architecture across the affected areas, approval had been granted for the immediate reopening of all schools impacted by the earlier closure order.
“Accordingly, approval has been granted for the reopening of all schools previously affected by the temporary closure directive. Consequently, all public and private schools affected by the earlier circular are to resume normal academic and administrative activities with effect from Monday, 15th June, 2026”, the notice further stated.
The government directed school administrators, executive principals, head teachers, proprietors and education authorities to begin necessary preparations to ensure the safe return of students and staff ahead of resumption.
Authorities also urged school managements to maintain close collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and relevant government officials in order to sustain a safe and conducive learning environment across schools.
In a move aimed at calming fears among parents and guardians, the state government reassured residents that adequate security arrangements had already been deployed statewide and that authorities remain fully committed to protecting lives and property.
“The State Government wishes to reassure parents, guardians, education stakeholders and the general public that adequate security measures have been deployed across schools in the state. The Government remains fully committed to the protection of lives and property and will continue to monitor developments closely while taking all necessary steps to safeguard the education sector”, the statement added.
Parents and guardians were further encouraged to ensure their children and wards return to school promptly to continue their academic activities without disruption.
The Ministry of Education directed that the circular be given the widest possible publicity, while all affected institutions were ordered to ensure strict compliance with the reopening directive beginning Monday.
