Schools and universities in Garoua remained closed on Thursday, as students stayed away and streets near educational institutions were unusually quiet. Officials cite security concerns as the primary reason for suspending classes, though the city maintains a calm appearance.
Parents Opt for Caution
Many parents chose to keep their children at home, reflecting concerns over the current situation.
“This morning, I decided to keep my children at home. You never know what might happen. The situation has been tense for several days,” said Aïssatou, mother of two students at Lycée de Garoua II.
School administrators also took precautionary measures to ensure student safety.
“We asked parents to come and pick up their children. This is not a decision taken lightly, but caution is necessary,” said Mr. Hamadou, general supervisor at a local college.
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Classes Suspended Until Next Week
While classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, October 27, 2025, concerns remain among educators and staff.
“Students are already behind in the curriculum, but we cannot teach under unsafe conditions. We are waiting for calm to return,” said Ms. Tchakounté, a history and geography teacher.
The decision to suspend classes marks the end of the first academic term, a period that typically sees increased activity in schools.
Quiet Streets Reflect Public Concern
The empty schoolyards and quiet streets stand in contrast to the murmurs of residents discussing safety issues. Local observers note that while the city remains orderly, the precautionary measures reflect ongoing apprehensions in the community.
All parties are hoping for a return to normalcy, with the expectation that students will soon resume their activities and the usual sounds of school life will fill the streets again.
