The Ondo State government has announced the temporary closure of selected public primary and secondary schools across the state ahead of the State House of Assembly election scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the closure affects only schools designated as polling centres for the election across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The ministry directed learners, teachers and other staff members in the affected schools to remain at home on election day as part of measures to guarantee safety and ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
According to the statement, heads of the affected schools would be contacted directly to ensure strict compliance with the directive, while officials from the Zonal and Area Education Offices would monitor and support enforcement in the concerned schools and local government areas.
The schools affected are:
St. Peter’s Demonstration Primary School – Oyemekun Road, Akure.
2.St. Theresa’s RCM Primary School – Akure.
3.St. Finbarr’s RCM Primary School – Akure.
4.St. Peter’s Primary School – Amudipe, Akure.
5.Ebenezer A/C Primary School – Amudipe, Akure.
6.Methodist Primary School – Gogi, Akure.
7.Iloro CPS Primary School – Owe Akala, Oke Aro, Akure.
8.St. Stephen’s Primary School – Ijomu, Akure.
9.St. Anthony’s RCM Primary School – Araromi, Akure.
10.St. Francis RCM Primary School – Oke Paadi, Akure.
11.St Peter’s Unity Secondary School, Akure.
The ministry, however, assured parents and guardians that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC-SSCE) in affected schools, particularly for students in boarding facilities.
School administrators were also instructed to cooperate with election officials by granting access to school premises and making available necessary facilities required for the conduct of the election.
The ministry clarified that the directive applies strictly to schools serving as polling centres, noting that schools not affected by the electoral arrangement are expected to continue normal academic activities without interruption.
It added that academic activities would fully resume in the affected schools on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The ministry appealed to parents, guardians, teachers and other stakeholders for understanding and cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment across the state.
