Gerin fm 95.5 Ilorin - News & Events

The Kwara State Government has directed the reopening of schools across the state following what authorities say is a significant improvement in the security situation.

The announcement was made in a statement released on Sunday by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, who said all public and private schools are to resume academic activities on Monday, February 2, 2026.

Dr Olohungbebe said school heads and relevant education stakeholders have already been officially informed of the decision, which was reached after a review of ongoing security efforts across the state.

Since November 2025, many primary and secondary schools in parts of Kwara South were shut as a precautionary measure, forcing learners to remain at home while schools in other parts of the state and country continued with their academic calendar.

The state government said the decision to reopen schools was taken in the interest of restoring normal learning while ensuring that adequate security measures remain in place to protect students and school personnel.

According to him, sustained operations by security agencies have helped to reduce threats posed by criminal elements, particularly around communities and educational facilities that were previously affected by insecurity.

“The situation has improved considerably compared to what we experienced in the past, although we are not lowering our guard,” the commissioner said.

He noted that security personnel remain deployed in strategic locations to consolidate recent successes recorded in tackling banditry and other criminal activities that had earlier disrupted academic activities in some parts of the state.

The commissioner added that alongside security operations, the state government is intensifying efforts to strengthen community participation, promote early warning mechanisms, and encourage collaboration between residents and security agencies to maintain lasting peace.