The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 unity schools across the country following renewed attacks on schools and rising cases of student abductions in the North.
The directive, issued on Friday, was contained in a circular signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister of Education. The government said the decision became necessary to prevent further threats to students and teachers in areas currently facing serious security challenges.
According to the circular, principals of the affected schools have been ordered to shut down immediately and ensure that students are safely released to their parents and guardians.
Most of the affected schools are located in the North-West, North-East and North-Central—regions that have witnessed repeated attacks by bandits and terrorists in recent weeks.
The schools listed include:
FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, 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, FGGC Bakori, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji and FGGC Potiskum.
Others include FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri and FTC Zambuk.
The order comes after fresh attacks in Kebbi and Niger states. In Kebbi, 25 students were kidnapped earlier in the week, and on Friday morning, several pupils and teachers were abducted in a school in Niger State.
With these developments, parents and education stakeholders have continued to express concern about the safety of children in schools across northern Nigeria. The government says it is working with security agencies to contain the situation and restore normalcy.
