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

According to a statement issued by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the affected schools will serve as designated polling centres for the election taking place across the 18 local government areas of the state.

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The ministry explained that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school workers, as well as to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.

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

Officials said the directive applies only to schools selected for election activities and not to all schools statewide.

Safety Measures

The government stated that the temporary shutdown is a precautionary measure aimed at preventing disruptions and maintaining order within school environments being used for voting.

Heads of affected schools are expected to receive direct communication from the ministry, while officials from Zonal and Area Education Offices have been assigned to monitor compliance across the state.

WAEC Candidates Exempted

The ministry assured parents and students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) that arrangements have been made to ensure examinations continue without interruption.

According to the government, special attention will also be given to boarding students to guarantee their safety throughout the election period.

Academic activities in the affected schools are expected to resume fully on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The state government appealed to parents, school administrators, teachers, and residents to remain calm and cooperate with the directive, stressing that the closure is temporary and strictly connected to the APC primary election exercise.