BREAKING: FG Orders Closure Of 41 Unity Schools Amid Rising Student Kidnappings

The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges as a response to escalating student abductions across the country.

The directive was issued on Friday in an official circular signed by Binta Abdulkadir, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the circular, “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 affected institutions 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, 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, and FTC Zambuk.

KeepLoss reports that this move follows recent attacks in Niger State, where students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, were abducted by terrorists.

Similarly, in Kebbi State, 25 students were kidnapped from a school in Maga, prompting nationwide concern over the deteriorating security in educational institutions.

In Kwara State, over fifty schools were recently shut down following raids by armed bandits.

The worsening insecurity also led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cancel planned trips to South Africa and Angola to personally coordinate responses to the crisis.