Adamawa relocates NECO examination centres as parents demand abducted students’ rescue

In response to the growing security concerns in parts of Adamawa State, the state government has ordered the immediate relocation of the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination centres in several vulnerable schools to safer locations.

The directive, issued through the Ministry of Education and Human Development, comes in the wake of the reported abduction of students and teachers in neighbouring Borno State on June 29, 2026, which has heightened concerns over the safety of candidates, teachers, invigilators, supervisors and NECO officials.

This comes as parents and residents of Lassa in Askira/Uba Local Council Area on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest, calling on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babagana Zulum and the Nigerian Army to intensify efforts to rescue students and a teacher still in captivity after Monday’s attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa.

The protesters said 36 students and a teacher remained in captivity, urging the authorities to step up efforts to secure their safe return.

The protest coincided with the visit of a Borno State Government delegation led by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, to victims, affected families and community leaders, at the instance of Governor Zulum.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aisha Umar, the government described the relocation as a precautionary measure to protect lives while ensuring the smooth conduct of the ongoing Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

According to the statement, the relocation will remain in force until the security situation improves. She explained that “the decision was taken in the best interest of the state and to guarantee the safety of our children, teachers and examination personnel.”

The affected schools include Government Day Secondary Schools in Kwabapale, Kuburshosho, Kirchinga, Wagga, Shuwa, Guyaku, Dzangola, Garaha, Mukuvinyi, and Gawkilba, as well as Government Secondary School, Hausari, in Michika, and Government Secondary School, Maki.

Meanwhile, candidates from the affected schools have been directed to write their examinations at designated alternative centres, including Government Day Secondary Schools in Michika, Watu, Madagali, Gombi, Hildi and Gashala, and Government Secondary School, Kwabaktina.

The ministry further appealed to school administrators, community leaders, parents and NECO officials to cooperate fully with the directive and ensure strict compliance with the relocation arrangements, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustaining academic activities in a secure environment despite prevailing security challenges.