The Ondo State Government has announced the temporary closure of some public primary and secondary schools across the state ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State House of Assembly election scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The directive was contained in a press release issued by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, which stated that the affected schools would be used as designated polling centres for the election taking place across the 18 local government areas of the state.

According to the ministry, the closure is part of measures put in place to ensure the safety and security of learners, teachers, and other school personnel during the conduct of the election.

“All learners, teachers, and other staff in the affected schools are hereby directed to stay at home on the election day,” the statement said.

The ministry explained that the decision was necessary to guarantee the peaceful, orderly, and secure conduct of the electoral process within school premises.

It added that heads of affected schools would be contacted directly to ensure strict compliance with the directive, while officials from Zonal and Area Education Offices would also monitor and support enforcement in the affected local government areas.

The government, however, assured parents and candidates writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC-SSCE) that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the continuation of examinations in affected schools without compromising the safety of students, particularly those in boarding facilities.

School administrators were also directed to grant election officials access to school facilities and provide the necessary infrastructure required for the smooth conduct of the election.

The ministry clarified that the directive applies only to schools designated as polling centres, noting that schools not affected by the arrangement are expected to continue their normal academic activities.

It further stated that academic activities would fully resume in the affected schools on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The ministry urged school heads to promptly disseminate the information to staff, learners, parents, and other stakeholders within their respective school communities. (Daily Trust)

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