Following the incessant kidnapping and the subsequent protest by residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, the Edo State Government has suspended the resumption for the second term academic activities in Edo Central Senatorial District until further notice.
The Commissioner for Education in the State, Dr Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, disclosed this in a statement dated January 12, 2026, in Benin City.
In a three-paragraph statement, Iyamu said the decision was to enable the government to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the children.
He said the new date of resumption would be duly communicated in due course to the public.
The statement read, “This is to inform the general public, particularly parents, school heads, and proprietors, that the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District for the Second Term of the 2025/2026 academic session has been postponed until further notice.
“This is to enable us to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of our children. The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course.
“Parents, guardians, and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”
DAILY POST reports that the State Ministry of Education had announced Monday, January 12, 2026 as the resumption date for all public and private primary and secondary schools for the 2025/2026 academic session in the State.
DAILY POST recalls that the management of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, had on January 10, 2026, also announced the suspension of resumption and commencement of academic activities for the 2026 academic year.
The management also suspended the ongoing examinations, as well as the university’s 140th inaugural lecture, earlier scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, over the anti-kidnapping protest in the school’s community.
Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, PAR/Head, Information, Protocol & Public Relations of the institution, said the decisions were to enable the university to complete the ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities.
“The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. MrsEunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, has approved, on behalf of the University’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.
“This decision has become necessary to enable the University to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.
“The Management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.
“While the University Management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works
‘In light of this development, the University regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.
“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.
“The University appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter. We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.
“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule,” the statement released by the AAU management read.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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