In a decisive response to the escalating security crisis, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Unity Colleges across the country.
The directive was issued on Friday via a circular from the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.
The circular stated that the Minister of Education approved the shutdown “sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.” It instructed principals of the affected schools to ensure “strict compliance.”
This nationwide precautionary measure follows a series of distressing attacks on schools. The decision comes just days after a mass abduction at St. Mary’s School in Niger State and a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped. The deteriorating situation had already prompted state-level actions, including the closure of over 50 schools in Kwara State on Thursday.
The federal order underscores the severity of the threat to educational institutions. It also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s heightened focus on the security crisis, which recently led him to cancel international trips to coordinate the government’s response.
The affected schools are 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; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.
Others are 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.
Some students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists.
The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.
On Thursday, over 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State following attacks by bandits.
President Bola Tinubu had also cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening insecurity.
