By The Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) across Nigeria, citing rising security challenges and the need to prevent potential breaches.
In a circular issued on Friday from the office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the Ministry stated the decision was approved by the Honourable Minister of Education.
Principals of the affected schools have been instructed to ensure “strict compliance” with the directive, which takes effect immediately.
The terse circular, referenced FME/DSSE/GM/S.160/C.I1, did not specify the exact nature of the security threats but indicated the move was a precautionary measure “to prevent any security breaches” in the wake of recent instability in some parts of the country.
The list of shuttered institutions, attached to the circular, includes colleges spread across various regions.
Notable among them are FGGC Zaria, FGC Gusau, FGC Daura, FGGC Bwari, FGC Azare, and FGC Ilorin.
The closures affect a significant number of schools in the northern and north-central zones, areas which have historically contended with security issues.
This sweeping action is one of the most significant of its kind and is likely to cause considerable disruption for thousands of students and their families.
It underscores the persistent security concerns impacting core social services, including education, in Africa’s most populous nation.
There is currently no indication of when the colleges, which are flagship secondary institutions owned by the Federal Government, will be permitted to reopen.
Parents and guardians are advised to await further communication from the respective school administrations.
The statement
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