Parents and teachers in Bauchi have expressed mixed feelings on the state government’s decision to shut down public and private schools over growing security concern in northern Nigeria.
The state government on Sunday announced the closure of basic, post basic schools and tertiary institutions of learning with immediate effect.
However, residents of the state expressed divergent views over the development, as some of them wellcome tte development while others dismissed it as counter productive.
Mr Samuel Samson, a resident, said security and safety of lives were paramount to sustainable social and economic development.
He said the security challenges bedevilling the northern region required proactive measures to address, to guarantee access to quality education at all levels.
“The abduction of students in some schools and communities in the north is worrisome but safety first, at least the development will enable the authorities concerned to strategies on how to tackle the issues.
“When the situation calms down, then business is going to be as usual,” he said.
Another parent, Abdulwaheed Abubakar, described the school closure as a welcome development, adding that, “prevention is better than cure.”
He said the decision must have been guided by credible intelligence of possible security threats in the state.
Olubunmi Adetoye, a teacher, argued that the action was a set back in an effort to reinvigorate the education sector.
Adetoye said the closure should be restricted only to security prone areas, adding that, “It is certainly a set back to students in areas that are secured.
“The government should review the decision and allow schools that are safe to continue,” he said.
Also, Adamu Musa, another teacher, said government ought to monitor the situations, especially in border communities before shutting down the schools.
“Bauchi is one of the most peaceful states in the country and the government should have waited a bit to monitor the situation.
“If it was observed that the situation has become worse from neighbouring states, then it could take action and shut schools,” he said.
The Federal Government had earlier shut down 41 unity colleges, sequel to the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi Niger.
The Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Katsina state governments also shut down schools over the insecurity. (NAN)
