By Happiness Edeawe
In a swift response to the alarming resurgence of student abductions across parts of Nigeria, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges, citing serious security concerns.
The directive, issued on Friday through a statement signed by Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education, on behalf of the Minister of Education, aims to safeguard the lives of students and prevent further attacks on schools.
“This decision was not taken lightly. It is a necessary step to forestall any potential breach of security in these vulnerable institutions,” the statement noted.
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The affected schools spanning the Northwest, Northeast, and parts of the North Central regions include Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), Federal Government Girls Colleges (FGGCs), and Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) in states like Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, Bauchi, and Kaduna.
Among them are FGGC Zaria, FGC Daura, FGGC Bida, FGC Buni Yadi, FGGC Potiskum, and FTC Michika many of which have experienced heightened security threats in recent years.
The decision follows recent attacks, including the abduction of dozens of students in Kebbi and Niger States within the past week, sparking nationwide concern and renewed calls for the protection of schoolchildren.
Parents, educators, and community leaders have expressed deep anxiety over the rising trend, with many fearing the closures could disrupt education for thousands of students across the country.
Authorities have urged school principals to comply with the directive immediately and work with local security agencies to ensure safe evacuation of students where necessary.
While the government has promised continued monitoring and evaluation of the security situation, no timeline was given for when the schools would reopen.
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