Former Commissioner for Education in Kano State, Hon. Muhammad Sanusi S. Kiru, has urged Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to adopt a collaborative and apolitical approach to safeguarding students amid rising security threats targeting schools across the country.
In an open letter dated November 24, 2025, Kiru reminded the governor that the recent closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges, as well as all public boarding schools in Katsina, Taraba, Kebbi, Niger, and several other states, mirrors the precautionary measures taken by Kano in November 2021.
He explained that the 2021 decision followed intelligence reports indicating that armed groups were targeting vulnerable schools—particularly those along interstate highways, lacking perimeter fencing, or located in remote communities. According to him, the temporary closure ordered at the time was aimed solely at protecting students and school personnel.
Kiru noted that security operations later disrupted several kidnapping networks in Kano, crediting the success of the measures to timely cooperation between the state government and security agencies.
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He argued that the fact that both federal and state governments are now applying similar protective measures is a validation of the approach previously taken in Kano.
“Despite overwhelming evidence that the 2021 closures were a responsible response to an unprecedented security threat, members of the NNPP continue to misrepresent the decision as insensitive or sabotaging education,” Kiru stated, describing such criticisms as misleading and disrespectful to families whose children were shielded from danger.
The former commissioner expressed concern over confirmed security threats in at least three local government areas in Kano, warning that the state must act urgently to avoid unnecessary risks to students. He appealed to Governor Yusuf not to allow political considerations to influence critical security decisions.
“It is not too late to swallow your pride and follow the model used successfully by your colleagues elsewhere,” Kiru wrote. He added that parents are increasingly anxious and may begin withdrawing their children from boarding schools without a firm and compassionate government response.
He reiterated that ensuring the safety of students should be above political rivalry, urging the governor to choose “the path of honour” by adopting decisive measures to secure learning environments across the state.
Kiru reaffirmed that his call was motivated by concern for the wellbeing of students and the need to maintain public confidence in school safety.