The Borno State commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI), Lawan Abba Wakilbe, has on Thursday led a high-powered delegation to Askira-Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas for a stakeholder engagements on reopening schools in seven communities affected by insecurity in the two council areas of the state.

The schools were shut down by the state government, following a string of security incidents, incluging the Mussa attack of 15 May 2026, the Kautikari attack of 13 June 2026, and the Lassa attack of 29 June 2026, which raised grave concerns about the safety of pupils, students, and teachers.

The stakeholders’ engagement was designed to assess the prevailing security situation, deepen collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders, and finalise arrangements for a safe and sustainable resumption of academic activities.

Wakilbe began the engagement with a visit to the Acting Brigade Commander, 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, Col. S. M. Sunusi, and the Acting Commanding Officer, 115 Task Force Battalion, Askira-Uba, Major U. Abbas.

He, therefore solicited for a robust military protection for the affected schools and their host communities ahead of resumption, stressing that the safety of learners and teachers remained non-negotiable. Both commanders pledged the military’s full commitment to securing the schools and creating a safe environment for teaching and learning.

The delegation subsequently paid courtesy visits to the Emir of Askira, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Mai Abdullahi Ibn Muhammadu Askirama and the Emir of Uba, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ali Samaila Mamza.

The royal fathers welcomed the initiative, offered their blessings and pledged the full backing of the traditional institutions and local communities.

The Commissioner, in turn, underscored the pivotal role of traditional rulers in mobilising communities, driving school enrolment and anchoring the implementation of Safe School protocols.

At the Askira-Uba Local Government Secretariat, the Commissioner engaged the Council Chairman, Hon. Mada Saidu, his Vice, Hon. Bilyaminu Umar Ngulde, and members of the Legislative Council.

He charged the council to strengthen its ownership of basic education and scale up support for the Safe School Initiative, particularly in communities scarred by insecurity. The Chairman reaffirmed the Local Government’s readiness to work with the State to keep schools open and learners protected.

Members of the delegation also held a town-hall meetings with community leaders and stakeholders in Lassa, Dille and Chul, where discussions centred on community-led school safety, parental mobilisation, early reporting of security threats, and sustained partnership between communities, education authorities and security agencies.

The Commissioner urged residents to take active ownership of protecting their schools and encouraging children back to the classroom.

Traditional and community leaders present included Mr Wadzani Hamadu, Acting District Head, Lassa; Mallam Abdulla, Wakilin District Head, Samuwa; Mr James Indagiju, Wakilin District Head, Dille; and Mr Anthony Ijai Mamza, Village Head, Dille.

The exercise closed with a review session involving Education Secretaries, Head Teachers and Principals from the affected schools. Engr. Wakilbe assessed the schools’ readiness and directed administrators and teachers to prepare for an effective resumption once security arrangements are confirmed.

He urged them to maintain close coordination with the Ministry, Local Government authorities, traditional institutions, host communities and security agencies, and to enforce full compliance with Safe School protocols. The session further gave school administrators the platform to raise operational concerns and agree on practical measures for a smooth reopening.