Osun State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools in the state, citing the planned nationwide protests as a security concern.

The directive, which was issued on Monday, will see schools resume their third term holiday from Wednesday 31 July 2023. Parents and guardians have been urged to ensure the safety of their children during this period.

The directive was revealed to the public through a public service announcement signed by A. Jimoh, the Permanent Secretary, in the state Ministry of Education.

“This is to inform the public, especially parents, guardians and principals of both public and private schools in the state that due to the planned nationwide protests, all schools are requested to continue on the third holiday from Wednesday, July 31, 2023.

“Parents and guardians are advised to ensure the safety of their wards during the holidays,” the PSA reads in part. The decision comes after Governor Ademola Adeleke met civil society organizations and student groups to discuss the potential impact of the protests.

While details of the meeting are still emerging, the government’s move to close schools indicates a heightened sense of caution.

Several groups have announced plans to launch anti-government demonstrations across the country, dubbed “10 days of rage, #EndBadGovernance,” from August 1 to 10.