The Edo State Government has fixed Monday, January 19, 2026, as the new resumption date for all public and private primary and secondary schools in Edo Central Senatorial District, ending weeks of uncertainty over the commencement of the second term.
The decision was announced in a special public statement issued by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, following a review of the earlier postponement of the second term in the district.
Dr Iyamu said the directive applies to all public and private primary and secondary schools in Edo Central and is aimed at ensuring a smooth and effective take-off of academic activities for the 2025/2026 academic session.
He urged parents, guardians, school heads, proprietors and other stakeholders in the education sector to take note of the new date and ensure full compliance. Parents and guardians were advised to make necessary arrangements to enable their children and wards resume promptly, while school authorities were directed to put all academic and administrative structures in place ahead of resumption.
The Ministry of Education also expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their patience, cooperation and understanding during the period of postponement, assuring that the state government remains committed to improving students’ welfare and providing a conducive learning environment across Edo State.
The announcement brings clarity to the resumption schedule in Edo Central, where academic activities are now expected to fully commence next Monday.
It will be recalled that the state government had last week announced the postponement of both public and private schools in the senatorial district, where Governor Monday Okpebholo hails from.
The postponement was widely linked to rising insecurity in the area, following violent protests in Ekpoma over incessant kidnappings. During the protests, the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was vandalised and several shops looted, developments the state government condemned in strong terms.
