By Abdullahi Alhassan
The Borno State Government has intensified efforts to reopen schools in communities affected by insecurity in Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, with the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, leading a stakeholder engagement across the two councils.
The exercise focused on seven schools located in four communities in Askira-Uba and three in Chibok, which were closed following security incidents that heightened concerns over the safety of students, pupils and teachers.
Among the incidents were attacks in Mussa on May 15, 2026, Kautikari on June 13 and Lassa on June 29.
Wakilbe said the engagement was aimed at reviewing the security situation, strengthening cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions and communities, and putting necessary measures in place for a safe and sustainable return to academic activities.
As part of the exercise, the commissioner met with the Acting Brigade Commander, 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, Col. S. M. Sunusi, and the Acting Commanding Officer, 115 Task Force Battalion, Askira-Uba, Major U. Abbas.
He appealed to the military authorities to provide adequate protection for the affected schools and surrounding communities ahead of their reopening.
The commissioner stressed that the safety of teachers and learners remained a major consideration in determining the timing and conditions for resumption.
The military commanders, in response, assured the delegation of their commitment to securing the affected schools and supporting efforts to restore a safe environment for teaching and learning.
Wakilbe also visited the Emir of Askira, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama, and the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Samaila Mamza.
The traditional rulers welcomed the initiative and pledged the support of their institutions and the wider communities towards the reopening of the schools.
The commissioner highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in mobilising parents, encouraging school enrolment and supporting the implementation of the Safe School Initiative.
At the Askira-Uba Local Government Secretariat, Wakilbe met with the council chairman, Hon. Mada Saidu, his deputy, Hon. Bilyaminu Umar Ngulde, and members of the Legislative Council.
He called on the council to strengthen its involvement in basic education and provide greater support for school safety measures, particularly in communities affected by insecurity.
The council chairman assured the state government of the local authority’s willingness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to protect learners and facilitate the reopening of schools.
The delegation subsequently held town-hall meetings with community leaders and other stakeholders in Lassa, Dille and Chul.
The discussions focused on community participation in school protection, parental mobilisation, early reporting of security threats and closer cooperation between communities, education authorities and security agencies.
Wakilbe urged residents to take ownership of the schools in their communities and encourage parents to support the return of children to the classroom when the necessary security conditions are met.
Among the traditional and community leaders who participated were the Acting District Head of Lassa, Mr Wadzani Hamadu; Wakilin District Head, Samuwa, Mallam Abdulla; Wakilin District Head, Dille, Mr James Indagiju; and the Village Head of Dille, Mr Anthony Ijai Mamza.
The engagement concluded with a review meeting involving Education Secretaries, head teachers and principals from the affected schools.
Wakilbe assessed the level of preparedness of the schools and directed administrators and teachers to make the necessary preparations for effective resumption once the security arrangements are finalised.
He further urged school authorities to maintain regular communication with the Ministry, local government councils, traditional institutions, host communities and security agencies, while ensuring strict compliance with established Safe School protocols.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for school administrators to raise operational challenges and identify practical steps towards a smooth and secure reopening.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Secretary of the Borno State Senior Secondary Education Board (BSSEB), Malah Abatcha; Education Secretary, Askira-Uba LEA, Fatsuma Adamu; Education Secretary, Chibok LEA, Alhaji Mala Kyari; Zonal Deputy Director, Gwoza Zone, Tijjani Sule Chul; and principals John Waganda of GDSS Lassa, John D. Mamza of GDSS Mussa, Gambo Antikirya of GDSS Dille and Mrs Jammulda T. Mamza of GGSS Lassa.
