Federal Government Shuts 41 Unity Schools Over Rising Student Abductions

The Federal Government announced on Friday that it would immediately shut down 41 Federal Unity Colleges because of a rise in student abductions in various regions.

Binta Abdulkadir, the Director of Senior Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, communicated this decision in a circular. The measure aims to prevent further security incidents affecting schools.

“In light of recent security issues in certain areas and the need to avoid any security violations, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the specified Federal Unity Colleges,” the document stated. It also instructed the principals of the affected institutions to ensure compliance.

The schools ordered to close 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 action follows a series of attacks on educational facilities. Earlier this week, armed individuals kidnapped several students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. This incident came after the abduction of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, which raised concerns about the safety of children in schools.

In Kwara State, officials closed down over 50 schools on Thursday after reports of bandit activities in several communities.

President Bola Tinubu has also canceled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to oversee the government’s security measures as worries grow over the worsening situation, especially in northern Nigeria.

The Ministry of Education stated that the closures are temporary but necessary as security forces increase their efforts to manage the threat and ensure the safe return of kidnapped students.\