The Federal Government has ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria in response to the rising wave of student abductions nationwide.
The directive was issued in a circular by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The circular, signed by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, emphasized the need to prevent security breaches at schools.
“Sequel to recent security challenges in some parts of the country and to prevent potential security incidents, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges. Principals of the affected institutions are to ensure strict compliance,” the circular stated.
The affected schools include FGGC Minjibir, FGA Suleja, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafancha, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji, FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashau, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, and FTC Zambuk.
This decision follows a string of recent attacks on schools, including the abduction of students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State, and the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State.
Security concerns have also led to the closure of more than 50 schools in Kwara State.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier postponed his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to focus on coordinating the federal government’s response to the worsening insecurity in schools.
