The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 47 Federal Government Colleges across the country in response to escalating security concerns and the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Maga, Kebbi State, and parts of Niger State.
The directive was issued through a circular (Ref: FME/DSSE/GM/S.160/CII) signed by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education, and sent to all principals of Federal Unity Colleges.
The Ministry explained that the decision became necessary to prevent further attacks on schools.
The circular stated that, due to the emerging security situation and the urgent need to avoid another breach, the Honourable Minister of Education approved the immediate closure of the affected colleges. Principals were instructed to comply without delay;
“Principals of affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance.
” Please, accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” she said.
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The schools ordered to close include: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, 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, FGA 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 closures follow a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting educational institutions. In the most recent incident, gunmen stormed a girls’ secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting students and further heightening nationwide anxiety over school safety.
Security agencies are continuing rescue efforts while state and federal authorities assess additional measures to protect students.
The Ministry assured school heads of its support and reiterated that safeguarding the lives of students and staff remains a top priority.
A few state governments namely Plateau, Kwara and Niger have similarly shut a few schools after the threat posed by kidnappers.
NAN
