Federal Government Closes 41 Federal Unity Colleges After New Kidnapping Incidents

The Federal Government has directed the immediate shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria following a renewed surge in student abductions. The temporary closure is a protective measure intended to safeguard students, teachers, and non-academic staff while security agencies address the escalating threats around schools.

Key Points for Parents and Students

• A total of 41 federal unity schools have been ordered to suspend academic activities.
  
• The directive was issued by the Federal Ministry of Education after fresh cases of student abductions.
  
• The closure is temporary and meant to enhance safety planning.
  
• Academic activities will resume once updated security measures are approved.
  

Why the Federal Government Ordered the Closures

The announcement was made through an official circular released on Friday by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education.

The circular noted that the Minister of Education gave approval for the immediate shutdown of schools located in areas considered vulnerable under the current security climate.

An excerpt from the circular stated:

“Following the recent security concerns in parts of the country and the urgent need to prevent further breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.

Principals of the affected colleges must ensure full compliance.”

This means school heads are expected to shut down operations immediately and await further instructions from the Ministry as well as security authorities in their respective states.

Full List of Affected Federal Unity Colleges

The following schools have been ordered to close:

• 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
  

Students in these schools are advised to wait for further directives from their principals and the Ministry of Education regarding reopening dates and academic adjustments.

Recent Kidnapping Incidents That Prompted the Action

The shutdown follows several disturbing abductions connected to schools in different parts of Nigeria.

• In Niger State, students of St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, were recently kidnapped by armed groups, prompting calls from parents and community leaders for urgent security reinforcement.
  
• In Maga, Kebbi State, another group of 25 students were abducted, raising widespread fears among families with children in boarding schools.
  
• In Kwara State, the government ordered over 50 schools to close after reports of bandit attacks nearby, as a preventive measure to protect students.
  

These incidents have heightened anxiety among students and parents, many of whom are worried about school transportation routes and safety around school premises.

Response from the Presidency

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cancelled scheduled official trips to South Africa and Angola in order to address the deteriorating security situation. Staying in the country allows him to work directly with security agencies and the Ministry of Education on immediate strategies to protect learners nationwide.

For many families, this signals that the issue has become a top national priority as the government looks for long-term solutions and works toward the safe return of abducted students.