The Federal Government on Friday ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity schools as abduction cases continue to rise across the country.
The directive was issued in a circular signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.
“Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the circular read.
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The affected schools 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; 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.
The closure follows the abduction of students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred days after another attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, raising further concerns about safety in schools across the region.
On Thursday, more than 50 schools were shut down in Kwara State after attacks by bandits.
President Bola Tinubu also cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to oversee the government’s response to the growing security crisis.