BREAKING: FG shuts 41 unity schools over rising student abductions

The Federal Government, on Friday, directed the immediate shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following the rising wave of student abductions in parts of the country.

The directive was issued through an internal circular signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.

The circular 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.”

The affected schools 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; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.

Others are 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.

The development comes amid worsening security concerns in schools across the country. Earlier, PUNCH Online reported the kidnapping of students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

The attack occurred days after another incident in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, further raising alarm over the vulnerability of schools in the region.

In Kwara State, more than 50 schools were shut on Thursday following a series of bandit attacks.

President Bola Tinubu, in response to the escalating situation, cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to oversee the government’s efforts in tackling the crisis.

Deborah Tolu-Kolawole, who reports for The PUNCH, covers education, trade unions, politics, and international affairs.