Borno Moves to Reopen Schools in Conflict Areas

Borno Education Commissioner Lawan Abba Wakilbe leads stakeholder talks in Chibok and Askira-Uba to reopen schools closed by insurgent activity.

The commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation in Borno State, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, headed a high‑powered delegation to the local government areas of Askira‑Uba and Chibok on Thursday. The mission focused on engaging community leaders, parents, teachers and civil‑society groups to discuss the reopening of schools that have remained closed for years due to insurgent activity.

Stakeholder talks aim to clear the way for pupils

During a series of town‑hall meetings, the delegation listened to concerns about safety, infrastructure damage and the psychological impact of prolonged school closures on children. Participants highlighted the urgent need for classrooms, teaching materials and trained staff, as many families have been living in temporary shelters since the height of the insurgency.

Commissioner Wakilbe emphasized that the state government is prepared to allocate emergency funds for repairing damaged school buildings and to coordinate with security agencies to ensure a protected learning environment. He also pledged to work with non‑governmental organisations that have been providing psychosocial support to displaced students.

Seven communities targeted for immediate action

The engagement covered seven villages that were identified as the most severely affected. These include settlements that have seen repeated attacks on educational facilities, leading to a near‑total halt in formal learning. By mapping the specific needs of each community, the delegation hopes to launch a phased reopening plan that can be scaled up as conditions improve.

Local officials welcomed the commissioner’s visit, noting that direct dialogue with the state’s education arm offers a tangible route out of the educational vacuum that has plagued the region for over a decade. Parents expressed cautious optimism, stressing that any return to school must be paired with robust security measures and support services for trauma‑affected children.

Next steps and broader implications

Following the stakeholder meetings, the commissioner’s team will compile a detailed report outlining required resources, timelines and partnership opportunities. The findings are expected to be presented to the state governor’s office within the next two weeks, paving the way for budget allocations and implementation strategies.

If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other conflict‑hit areas in Nigeria, demonstrating how coordinated government action and community involvement can revive education even in the most challenging environments.