From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) at the weekend denied allegations circulating on social media that students in Abuja schools are being subjected to religious indoctrination.
The viral voice note, recorded in Hausa, accused some schools of forcing students to abandon their faith and convert to another religion.
In a statement released by The FCTA Education Secretariat and Head of the FCTA Information Unit, Kabiru Musa, it clarified that the schools mentioned in the audio are not located within the Federal Capital Territory but in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, a neighboring area over 20 kilometers from Abuja city center.
The schools cited in the recording include GSS Mararaba, GSS Bakin Ado, GJSS Kurunduma, and Aunty Alice School. According to Kabiru Musa, Head of the FCTA Information Unit, “The Areas and School locations mentioned in the voice note are not in the Federal Capital Territory. They do not exist on any official map of the FCT. Findings clearly show that these locations are situated in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, a neighboring State approximately 20 to 25 kilometers from Abuja City Centre.”
The Secretariat reiterated that FCT schools are secular institutions committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students of all faiths coexist peacefully. “FCT Schools are strictly secular institutions where Students of all faiths (Christians & Muslims) co-exist peacefully. The FCT Administration guarantees the freedom of worship and upholds the rights of every child to learn in an environment free from religious discrimination or compulsion,” the statement read.
Highlighting the professionalism of educators, the FCTA noted, “Our Teachers and School Administrators are highly trained professionals who operate strictly within the bounds of professional ethics and codes of conduct. They are dedicated to nurturing students into disciplined, responsible citizens without bias or prejudice.”
The Administration condemned the voice note as a “malicious campaign of disinformation” designed to incite tension and undermine public education in the capital. It warned that legal and administrative actions would be taken against those responsible for spreading the false narrative.
“Let it be clearly stated that such divisive and harmful narratives aimed at destabilizing our Education System and creating religious tension will not be tolerated. The FCTA reserves the right to take legal and administrative action against individuals or groups propagating such falsehoods against its Schools or Territory,” the statement concluded.
The FCTA urged the public and stakeholders to disregard the viral audio and to rely solely on verified information from official FCTA channels.