The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has ordered the immediate shutdown of all basic schools across the state following heightened security concerns. Under the directive, Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) will close from Saturday, 22 November 2025, while all primary and day schools are expected to shut their doors from Monday, 24 November 2025.
PSUBEB said the decision is a precautionary step taken to safeguard pupils, teachers, and school communities amid emerging threats. The Board described the measure as temporary but necessary to forestall potential risks and reassure residents that the safety of learners remains paramount.
Parents, guardians, and education stakeholders have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as additional security measures are being put in place. The Board also called on Local Government Education Authorities, school heads, and community leaders to remain vigilant and support the enforcement of the directive.
The development comes amid a rise in security incidents across parts of Nigeria, including recent attacks and threats targeting schools and vulnerable communities. Governments at various levels have responded with stricter preventive measures to protect students.
This state directive follows a similar move by the Federal Government, which on Friday ordered the immediate closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide due to escalating security threats, particularly in northern states.
In the circular announcing the federal shutdown, the Minister of Education, President Bola Tinubu’s appointee Tunji Alausa, warned of “heightened security risks in several regions” and stressed the need for urgent steps to protect students and staff. The circular, signed on his behalf by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, directed all affected principals to comply without delay.
The federal order comes in the wake of recent school attacks in Kebbi and Niger states, where several students were abducted.
“The Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges,” the circular stated, citing the need to prevent further security breaches.
The Nigerian Fencing Federation made its mark at Invest Lagos 3.0, one of Africa’s foremost investment gatherings, where conversations about the continent’s future unfolded among government leaders, global investors, policymakers, diplomats, and business executives.
Representing the Federation was its Vice President, Mrs. Rachael Samuel, who carried the voice of sport into a space traditionally dominated by commerce and policy, promoting the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships.
Organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), the summit was designed to attract investment, strengthen international partnerships, and accelerate growth across key sectors.
The atmosphere was charged with ambition, as figures such as Lord Jonathan Marland, Chairman of CWEIC; Samantha Cohen, CEO of CWEIC; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, lent their voices to the dialogue.
For the Nigerian Fencing Federation, this was not simply another high-level event. It was a chance to weave sport into the broader narrative of development and investment, laying the groundwork for the upcoming Commonwealth Fencing Championships—a historic first for Lagos and a defining moment for Africa.
In the corridors of discussion, themes emerged that went far beyond the piste: the importance of strategic partnerships and sponsorships to sustain the Games; the need for sports infrastructure that leaves a lasting legacy; the promise of grassroots opportunities to inspire young fencers across communities; the drive to empower women and elevate their leadership in sport; and the groundbreaking introduction of disability fencing to a global competition in Africa, in partnership with World Ability Sport, ensuring inclusion and accessibility for all.
As Lagos prepares to welcome the Commonwealth Fencing Championships, these conversations underscore the transformative power of sport—not only as competition, but as a catalyst for development, inclusion, and social change.
Because fencing, like all sports, is not confined to the piste. It thrives in collaboration, in vision, and in the willingness to be present where opportunities are created.
BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Lagos State Police Command, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening security, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and activities, will commence a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced or no registration number plates.
The exercise will commence on Monday, 15th June 2026, and will be led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips. He has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), across the State to commence enforcement of the directive and ensure full compliance within their respective Areas of Responsibility. He further directed that any vehicle found violating the directive be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with extant laws and established procedures.
The Command wishes to assure members of the public that this enforcement exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding motorists. Rather, it is a proactive security measure designed to enhance the capacity of Police operatives to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects, and strengthen the overall security architecture of the State.
Accordingly, motorists, transport operators, fleet owners, and members of the public are advised to ensure that their vehicles carry valid, duly issued, and clearly visible registration number plates at all times. Vehicle owners are also encouraged to ensure that all relevant vehicle documents are up-to-date and readily available for inspection when required.
The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors in the State. The success of this initiative, like all policing efforts, depends largely on the cooperation and support of members of the public. The Command appreciates the understanding, cooperation, and continued support of Lagosians as it continues to implement measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all.
Security is a shared responsibility. The Command therefore urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements, or activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.