The Borno State Government has announced the closure of all government and private schools for two weeks following severe flooding across the state. This decision was communicated in a statement released by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation on Monday.
The closure follows a visit to the Alo Dam, a major water reservoir that sources its water from Lake Chad. The dam’s banks have suffered leakages due to heavy rainfall, leading to flooding in most riverine and flood-prone communities.
This announcement comes shortly after the commencement of the 2024/2025 academic session, which began on September 9, 2024.
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The statement, signed by the Acting Director of Schools Services, Grema Bulama, noted that the visit by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Bukar Tijjani was directed by Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum to assess the state of the dam. The dam has been a major source of water supply and has also been responsible for causing floods in the state capital in past years.
In a related development, both Edo and Kano States have also announced an indefinite closure of schools. This decision is attributed to the current spike in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, affecting transportation and other essential services.
