Some parents in Borno on Sunday appealed to the State Government to re-open public schools closed since May 2014, to allow their children continue with their education.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the schools were closed in May 2014, following attacks on students in neighbouring Yobe.
The influx of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to Maiduguri frustrated the state government’s efforts at re-opening the schools.
A cross section of the parents made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri.
They expressed reservations on the continuous closure of the schools even with the relative return of peace in the state.
Malam Muhammad Askira, a parent, said the state government has no excuse to keep the schools closed, following the evacuation of the IDPs from the buildings.
“Our children have been out of school for over two years, now that we have relative peace, we did not hear the government saying the children should go back to school.
“Three months ago, the IDPs occupying schools like Yarwa Girls Secondary School and five other schools were relocated to other camps for the schools to be reopened, so what are they still looking for?’’ Askira asked.
Malam Sadiq Mu’azu, another parent, supported the call, saying it is time the schools are re-opened.
“I am not surprised because this is about three months since they evacuated IDPs out of schools and up till this moment no school was re-opened. ‘’
Mrs Zainab Abubakar, another parent, appealed to the government to reopen schools to reduce youth redundancy.
“When you go round you will see our youths engaging in all forms of nefarious activities without been checked.
“We are not happy that schools are closed, we hope the government will do something about it,’’ she urged.