In the quiet community of Amasiri, what should have been a day of nervous excitement turned into one of heartbreak.
On Friday, February 27, 2026, many primary school pupils were unable to sit for the Common Entrance Examination after months-long school closures ordered by Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi State.
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For families, the missed examination represents more than a disrupted schedule — it signals uncertainty about their children’s educational future.
Dreams Interrupted
Across homes in the community, parents described a painful contrast between hope and reality. Children who had spent weeks revising at home, clinging to the expectation that schools would reopen in time, woke up to the realization that the opportunity had slipped away.
One parent, who requested anonymity, said watching their child prepare daily only to miss the exam felt “like seeing a door close slowly, with no idea when it will open again.”
Educators warn that the interruption may have lasting consequences. Without sitting the entrance exam, many pupils risk falling behind their peers, potentially losing an academic year.
Security Measures and Their Cost
The closures are tied to ongoing security concerns and movement restrictions in the area. While authorities say such measures are intended to protect lives, education advocates argue that prolonged shutdowns can create a different kind of risk — widening inequality for children without access to alternative learning options.
In communities like Amasiri, where digital learning infrastructure is limited, school closures often mean a complete halt to structured education.
Rights and Responsibilities
Nigeria’s legal framework recognizes education as a fundamental right, placing responsibility on authorities to ensure children can access basic schooling. Legal analysts note that emergency measures must be temporary and proportionate, cautioning that extended disruptions could undermine those guarantees.
Calls for Immediate Solutions
Community leaders and civil society groups, including Concerned Amasiri Forum, are urging the state government to create urgent alternatives. Proposals include special examination centres in secure locations or temporary adjustments that would allow affected pupils to take the test safely.
For the children, however, the issue is deeply personal. The Common Entrance Examination is not just a requirement — it is a milestone marking the transition to secondary school and the first tangible step toward future careers.
As the examination window closes, classrooms in Amasiri remain silent — a stark reminder that when schools stay shut, the loss is measured not only in missed lessons, but in postponed dreams.