Yobe State Schools Resume Classes Amid Fuel Scarcity and Insecurity Concerns
Yobe State, Nigeria, has resumed its academic session as scheduled, despite concerns over fuel scarcity and insecurity. Governor Mai Mala Buni and Education Commissioner Dr. Mohammed Abba Idriss affirmed that schools reopened on September 17, 2024, after a brief delay for the Eid-el-Mulud celebration.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Yobe State, Nigeria, has successfully resumed its academic session despite heightened concerns over fuel scarcity and insecurity. Governor Mai Mala Buni and the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Mohammed Abba Idriss, have assured the public that educational activities will continue as planned.
Dr. Idriss emphasized that Yobe State is committed to maintaining its school calendar, which had been set for reopening on September 16, 2024. The resumption was slightly delayed due to the Eid-el-Mulud celebration, with classes starting on September 17 instead.
In a recent interview, Dr. Idriss dismissed speculations that insecurity and fuel shortages would lead to school closures. He stated, “The Yobe State government has no intentions of postponing the reopening of schools.” He reassured parents that all schools were prepared to receive students, with security measures in place to ensure a safe learning environment.
Acknowledging the ongoing security issues in certain areas of the state, Dr. Idriss highlighted the importance of keeping schools operational. He noted that succumbing to pressures from bandits would only serve to undermine educational access, stating, “If you close the schools because of their activities, it means the bandits are succeeding.”
Dr. Idriss pointed to significant improvements in Yobe State's educational outcomes, especially in WAEC and NECO examinations, where the state has transitioned from being one of the lowest performers to achieving commendable results.
The Commissioner also addressed the issue of some parents opting not to send their children to school despite free education initiatives, announcing plans for awareness campaigns to boost enrollment.
With the resolution of issues related to school feeding programs, Dr. Idriss confirmed that schools are now functioning smoothly. He remains optimistic about the future of education in Yobe State and the positive impact of the government's ongoing efforts.
