The Edo State Government has suspended the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District due to escalating kidnapping incidents and protests by residents of Ekpoma, Esan West LGA.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, said the decision, announced on January 12, 2026, aims to allow the government to address urgent matters to improve the welfare and safety of children. A new resumption date will be communicated in due course.
The suspension affects primary and secondary schools, following earlier postponements by Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, which halted academic activities, ongoing examinations, and its 140th inaugural lecture to enable renovation works and ensure student safety.
Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, AAU’s Head of Information and Public Relations, explained that the temporary measures are intended to provide a conducive learning environment and complete ongoing facility upgrades.
Students remaining in university hostels were asked to vacate immediately to allow uninterrupted renovation, while parents and guardians were urged to ensure compliance with the revised schedule.
The government and AAU stressed that these decisions were necessary to safeguard students amid the current security challenges, promising updates on new dates for academic resumption and university events.
