The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has began mobilisation of its members to embark on a mass protest on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Recall that NANS had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to reopen public primary schools in Abuja, which have been closed for over two months, due to unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and the Local Government Education Authorities.
Describing the situation as “unacceptable” and a grave injustice to the Nigerian child, the student body in a notice signed by its President, Olushola Oladoja, regretted that thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, have been denied access to basic education for over two months due to the shutdown.
While noting that despite repeated appeals, letters, and calls for dialogue with the relevant authorities no tangible effort has been made to resolve the crisis or reopen the affected schools, Oladoja said the protest was not just about education, but a broader fight for justice, equality, and the future of the nation.
He said, “The National Association of Nigerian Students expresses deep concern over the persistent closure of public primary schools within the Federal Capital Territory, which has lasted for over two months.
“This unacceptable situation continues to deny thousands of children—particularly those from low-income families—their fundamental right to basic education.
“Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities, no meaningful steps have been taken to resolve the impasse or reopen the affected schools.
“It is evident that the government’s silence is a deliberate act of negligence and disregard for the educational future of the Nigerian child. In response, the national leadership of NANS hereby issues a final call to action and announces a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT.
“NANS has declared a final call to action, urging its structures in the FCT and neighbouring states Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna to immediately begin mobilising students, civil society organisations, and education rights advocates for the demonstration.
“We shall occupy the streets of Abuja until the government listens. No retreat, no surrender!
“Zone A and Zone C coordinators have been directed to lead and support mobilisation efforts to ensure what the union described as ‘widespread and impactful participation.”
