The Kogi State Government has directed the immediate and compulsory mid-term break for all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state, citing credible security intelligence and urgent safety concerns.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo issued the directive through a letter transmitted to the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), which subsequently informed its members in Lokoja and other parts of the state. The order takes effect Wednesday, February 4, 2026, and applies to all schools across the state.
In the emergency notice signed by Pastor Reuben Jimoh, State Chairman of NAPPS, school administrators were warned to strictly comply with the government’s directive or risk revocation of their operating approval. The circular urged against announcing any resumption date, noting that “we don’t know yet what will happen before Monday.”
The state government has framed the closure as a preventive security measure, emphasizing that it is not a reaction to panic but a responsible step based on intelligence reports shared by security agencies. According to the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, protective measures are being deployed around vulnerable locations to safeguard pupils, students, teachers and school facilities.
Fanwo assured the public that the government and its security partners are working round the clock to monitor and address potential threats, stressing that “the safety of our children, teachers, and educational institutions remains non-negotiable.” He further noted that the proactive decision aims to minimize disruptions to the state’s academic calendar once conditions permit safe resumption.
Multiple reports indicate that the emergency break has effectively fast-tracked the regular mid-term vacation, with many schools expected to resume on February 16, 2026, pending further updates from authorities.
Parents, guardians and school communities have been urged to stay alert and follow official government announcements for further guidance on return dates and security developments.
The closure follows a period of heightened security challenges in parts of Kogi State, including recent reports of attacks and kidnappings in rural areas of the state, underscoring the government’s emphasis on safety.
