No closure order for 41 federal unity schools

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The Federal Government has debunked some media reports, especially on social media platforms, that it has directed the closure of all schools in Nigeria due to heightened activities of non-state actors in some parts of the country targeting schools.

Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement on Saturday, described such media reports as false and misleading.

The statement reads: “The Federal Ministry of Education hereby informs the public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognised security agency.

“The public is strongly advised to rely strictly on verified information issued through the following official channels: the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments and State Ministries of Education, recognised security agencies.

“Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Federal Ministry of Education directed the immediate closure of 41 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) in response to growing coordinated attacks on boarding schools.

The affected schools are: Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Minjibir, Kano State; Federal Technical College (FTC), Ganduje, Kano State; FGGC, Zaria; FTC, Kafanchan, Kaduna State; FGGC, Bakori; FTC, Dayi; FGC, Daura; FGGC, Tambuwal; Federal Science College (FSC), Sokoto; FTC, Wurono; FGC, Gusau; FGC, Anka; FGGC, Gwandu; FGC, Birnin Yauri; FTC, Zuru; FGGC, Kazaure; FGC, Kiyawa; FTC, Hadejia; FGGC, Bida; FGC, New-Bussa; and FTC, Kura-Shiroro.

Others are: Federal Government Academy, Suleja; 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, Gashua; FTC, Michika; FGC, Ganye; FGC, Azare; FTC, Misau; FGGC, Bajoga; FGC, Billiri; and FTC, Zambuk.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a letter signed by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, and addressed to principals of the schools, directed that the schools be shut with immediate effect and students vacated immediately.

The letter also confirmed that the decision was sequel to recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.

“To this end, principals of affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the letter added.