ABUJA – In a sweeping emergency measure, the Federal Government ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges on Friday, citing escalating security threats and a resurgence of student kidnappings across northern Nigeria.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education under Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to avert potential breaches in vulnerable institutions. A circular signed by Director of Senior Secondary Education Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir emphasized the need for swift compliance from principals, with no specified timeline for reopening.
“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 (FUCs) with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The decision follows a wave of brazen attacks on schools, including Friday’s abduction of an undetermined number of students, teachers, and a security guard from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Earlier this week, bandits kidnapped 25 female students from a school in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and heightening national outrage.
Global watchdogs like UNICEF have decried the pattern, urging prioritized safeguards for learners.
The affected colleges, spanning states like Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Borno, include:
-Kano/Katsina/Jigawa: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FGGC Bakori
– Kaduna/Katsina: FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura
– Sokoto/Zamfara/Kebbi: FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru
– Jigawa: FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia
– Niger/Kwara: FGGC Bida, FGC New Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran
– Kogi/FCT: FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji
– Yobe/Borno: FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua
– Adamawa: FTC Michika, FGC Ganye
– Bauchi/Gombe: FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, FTC Zambuk
Out of Nigeria’s 104 Unity Colleges, the closures predominantly target northern facilities in banditry-prone zones, leaving southern schools operational for now.
Education advocates warn the move, while precautionary, could disrupt thousands of students’ academic progress and exacerbate regional disparities. The National Orientation Agency has echoed calls for fortified school defenses, as security forces intensify operations in affected areas.
As investigations into recent abductions probe potential lapses—like the Papiri school’s disregard of prior closure advisories—the government faces mounting pressure to balance safety with access to education in an increasingly volatile landscape.
