Thousands of secondary school students in parts of Kwara State risk missing critical national examinations as schools remain shut due to rising insecurity.
Affected communities in Kwara North and parts of Kwara South have reportedly suspended academic activities amid fears of attacks and kidnappings, disrupting WAEC and NECO preparations.
The Facts
- Schools in some Kwara communities have closed due to security concerns.
- Students preparing for WAEC and NECO are reportedly unable to complete exam processes.
- Ara community in Oyun Local Government Area is among affected locations.
- Residents cite fears of attacks and alleged threats in local markets.
- Some students have been advised to relocate to Ilorin, but many families cannot afford to move.
Schools Shut as Security Fears Grow
Rising insecurity in parts of Kwara State has led to prolonged school closures in several rural communities, leaving students uncertain about their academic future.
Communities in Kwara North and parts of Kwara South are reportedly affected, with residents restricting movement amid fears of attacks and kidnappings.
One of the affected areas is Ara in Oyun Local Government Area, where students have reportedly been unable to attend classes or complete necessary examination registration procedures.
The situation comes at a critical time, as students prepare for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the forthcoming National Examination Council (NECO) examinations.
Impact on WAEC and NECO Candidates
Students in affected communities are said to have missed school days and examination-related activities, including required biometric registration processes.
Residents described a tense atmosphere in some communities, with security personnel reportedly patrolling but not permanently stationed in certain areas.
There were also reports of alleged threat communications discovered in a local market, further heightening anxiety among residents. As a result, many parents have opted to keep their children at home.
For students preparing for national examinations, the disruption could have lasting consequences if schools remain closed.
Relocation Not an Option for Many Families
Some teachers have reportedly advised examination candidates to relocate to Ilorin, where schools remain open and relatively secure.
However, several parents indicated that relocation is not financially feasible. Moving students to the state capital would require accommodation, transportation, and other expenses that many rural families cannot afford.
As a result, some students remain stranded, uncertain whether they will be able to complete their WAEC or NECO examinations this year.
Broader Security Concerns in Kwara
Security challenges have increasingly affected rural communities in Kwara, particularly those near forested areas. Residents in affected communities have called for a stronger and more permanent security presence to restore normalcy.
Concerns have also been raised that extended school closures could deepen educational setbacks, particularly for students already facing limited resources in rural areas.
Education stakeholders warn that disruptions during examination periods can significantly impact students’ academic progression and future opportunities.
Official Response
At the time of writing, no detailed official statement addressing the specific school closures had been publicly referenced in relation to the affected communities.
Residents are urging both state and federal authorities to take urgent steps to secure vulnerable areas and ensure that schools can safely reopen.
What Happens Next
If security conditions improve and schools reopen promptly, affected students may still be able to participate in ongoing and upcoming examinations.
However, continued instability could further delay academic activities, increasing the risk that some students may lose the academic year.
Education advocates say coordinated security efforts and support for affected families will be essential to prevent long-term educational disruption.
Reactions from education authorities were still emerging at the time of writing.
Sources
Source: Community residents in Oyun LGA; field reports from affected communities.
