Emirate Youths Plead for Mercy as Niger Shuts Two Secondary Schools

Laleye Dipo in Minna 

Following the continued unruly behaviour of some students and gangs in Minna, the Niger State Government has announced the indefinite closure of two secondary schools in Minna, the state capital.

The frequent clashes between the students and youth gangs had led to breakdown of law and order and even death of some students and gang members.

The Commissioner for Basic Education and Secondary Education, Dr. Hadiza Asabe Mohammed, in a statement announced the closure of Government Day Secondary School, Bosso Road, Minna and Father O’Connell Science College, (GSS) Minna.

According to Mohammed, the decision to close the schools “follows an on-the-spot assessment conducted by Management of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on Wednesday, March 12, 2025,” before expressing concern over the troubling activities involving students and youth gangs posing as students, which she said: “Is contributing to the rising insecurity within the schools and the communities.”

The commissioner, therefore, urged “parents and guardians to remain vigilant and proactive, as the state is implementing more decisive measures.”

Reacting to the development, the leadership of the Minna Emirate Youth Association MEYA called for the reversal of the policy in “the interest of the larger community.”

A statement issued by the President of the association, Bashir Abubakar, expressed  concern over the  closure of the schools adding that while the association “understands the security concerns that led to this decision, we urge the commissioner to consider alternative measures that do not disrupt the education of our youth.

“We believe that closing schools is not a sustainable solution to addressing the underlying issues of youth gang violence and insecurity, instead, we propose that your ministry works with relevant stakeholders, including community leaders, parents, and security agencies, to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to address these challenges.”