The Ondo State Government has directed the temporary closure of selected public primary and secondary schools ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly election on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The decision, communicated through a press release by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, is to allow the use of school facilities as polling centres across the state's 18 local government areas. The ministry cited safety and security concerns for learners, teachers, and staff as the reason for the closure.
All students, teachers, and school personnel in affected institutions are required to stay at home on election day. The ministry emphasized that the move is intended to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process within school premises. School heads will be contacted directly to enforce compliance, with monitoring support from officials of Zonal and Area Education Offices in the affected areas.
The government assured parents and students currently writing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC-SSCE) that arrangements have been made to sustain examination activities, especially in schools with boarding facilities. Academic activities in all affected schools will fully resume on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The Ondo State Government is closing schools to host an internal party election, not a national or state-wide vote. Students and teachers must stay home so APC members can vote in facilities meant for learning. This disrupts education for candidates sitting for WAEC-SSCE in affected schools. The state is prioritizing party logistics over classroom continuity.
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