After 2 years, Borno set to re-open schools

Kashim Shettima, governor of Borno state, says public secondary schools in the state, which have been shut down since March 2013, will re-open for academic activities next Monday.

Shettima made the remark on Tuesday while receiving Rolf Ree, the Norwegian ambassador in Nigeria in his office in Maiduguri.

He said, however, that the action was limited to day schools only.

“As from Monday, academic activities will commence in earnest in all day secondary schools across the state,” he said.

“Very soon, we will make effort to re-open all the boarding schools too.”

He commended the Norwegian government for its numerous support to the state.

“I wish to thank you for the numerous support you have given to us, you have done so much to us,” he said.

“You have shown so much support to our traumatised people.”

Ree had told the governor that his visit was aimed at solidifying relationships between the two governments.

Activities of Boko Haram insurgents in schools in neighbouring Yobe made the Borno government to order closure of its schools.

The state government had last week commenced the construction of 2, 500 family shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in public schools in Maiduguri to give room for the relocation of the IDPs and allow the schools to re-open.