FG shuts 41 unity schools after rising student abductions
The Federal Government has ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges after a fresh wave of student kidnappings. The move is aimed at reducing the risk to learners, teachers and staff while security agencies respond to recent attacks on schools.
Quick summary for students and parents
- 41 unity schools run by the federal government are closed for now.
- The order came from the Ministry of Education after new kidnappings of students.
- The closure is described as temporary, not permanent.
- Classes are on hold so that safety plans can be reviewed.
Federal Government order to protect students
The decision was made public on Friday in a circular from the Federal Ministry of Education. The circular was signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir.
According to the circular, the Minister of Education approved the step to lower the risk of fresh attacks in areas with growing security problems. The document stated:
“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.”
This means principals must close their schools at once and follow any further guidance from Abuja and from local security teams.
List of affected Federal Unity Colleges
These unity schools are covered by the closure order:
- 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
- FTC Zambuk
Learners in these colleges will need to wait for fresh instructions from their school heads and from the Ministry of Education on how and when classes will resume.
Recent kidnappings that raised fresh alarm
The closure comes after several serious kidnap cases linked to schools in different parts of the country.
In Niger State, some students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, were taken by armed groups. Parents and local leaders have called for their safe return and for stronger protection for children who attend both day and boarding schools.
A few days earlier, in Maga, Kebbi State, 25 students were also kidnapped. That incident worried families across nearby states, as many have children in boarding schools far from home.
In Kwara State, state officials ordered more than 50 schools to close after reports of attacks by bandits. The step was meant to reduce the risk to learners after reports of attacks by bandits in the affected areas.
For many students, these reports cause fear and confusion. Some worry about travel to and from school, especially along lonely roads or in areas that have seen attacks before.
Response from the Presidency
President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned trips to South Africa and Angola so that he could focus on the growing security problem. By staying in the country, he is expected to work closely with security chiefs and with the Federal Ministry of Education on next steps.
For students, this shows that the matter has reached the top level of the Nigerian government. Families are watching for clear plans on school safety and for updates on efforts to free kidnapped learners.