The Yobe State government has ordered all primary and secondary schools in the state to close starting from Wednesday, July 31, 2024. This decision was made because of planned nationwide protests that aim to address issues of hunger and economic hardship. Schools will stay closed until Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Associate Professor Abba Idriss, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education in Yobe State, announced the closure in a statement from Damaturu, the state capital. He explained that the closure is happening earlier than initially planned. Originally, the schools were set to close on Friday, August 2, but now they will shut down from Wednesday, July 31. This change is meant to ensure the safety of students and staff during the protests.
In other news, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has changed his earlier position about the protests. Previously, Wike said that the FCT would not be open to any protests. However, he has now asked Nigerian youths to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and delay the protests. Wike’s change in view reflects ongoing efforts by the government to manage public concerns and maintain order.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has commented on the planned protests. He has claimed that some politicians who were unhappy with the 2023 election results are behind the protests. Akpabio believes these politicians might be trying to cause trouble to gain power, which could create more problems.
The school closures and political events show the growing tension around the planned protests and the wider problems of economic hardship in Nigeria. Many people are closely watching the situation to handle the challenges and keep things stable during this time.
