Minna, Nigeria – June 2025 — The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, following a major security breach on campus.

On May 25, 2024, a security guard hired by a contractor at the IBBU construction site was gunned down and stabbed within university grounds. The attacker remains at large, and local authorities have yet to confirm suspects or motive.

Following the attack, the university alerted the Police and state security agencies, but both IBBU management and the Niger State Police have remained tight-lipped about the investigation.

Governor Umaru Bago’s administration responded by shutting down IBBU to the public and canceling all campus activities until security is fully restored.

The Niger State House of Assembly also ordered an audit of ongoing construction projects, focusing on adherence to contract and safety standards.

What This Means

• Students and staff remain barred from entering the campus until further notice.
• The university has assured that exams, resumption, and academic schedules will be rescheduled once security infrastructure is strengthened.
• The Assembly’s oversight may lead to stricter safety regulations for future projects in Niger State.

Next Steps:

• Security upgrade: Governor Bago has directed the installation of 24-hour surveillance cameras, improved fencing, and trained security personnel.
• Investigative audit: A joint panel from the Houses on Works and Health will inspect all university construction sites for compliance and safety.

Since the reopening of schools post-COVID, security incidents on campuses across Nigeria—including mass abductions and violence—have surged. IBBU’s shutdown marks a serious wake-up call for institutions nationwide to reassess their safety measures. Minna, like many other campus towns, saw earlier school closures in 2021 after mass abductions—highlighting a broader challenge .

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