In response to the worsening security situation in parts of the country, the Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 41 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) nationwide. The decision follows the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Maga, Kebbi State, and in communities across Niger State, raising concerns about the safety of students in vulnerable areas.
The directive was conveyed in a circular referenced FME/DSSE/GM/S.160/CII, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, and addressed to all principals of Federal Unity Colleges. The circular, issued on Friday, emphasized the urgent need to prevent further security breaches targeting educational institutions.
According to the directive, the Honourable Minister of Education approved the closure after reviewing the latest intelligence reports and assessing the risks facing schools across several states. Hajia Abdulkadir stated that school heads must ensure “strict compliance” with the directive, noting that the safety of students and staff remains the government’s top priority.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected institutions span multiple geopolitical zones, with a significant number located in the North-West and North-East regions that have been severely impacted by banditry, insurgency, and escalating criminal attacks.
The 41 schools listed for closure include:
- In Kano & Kaduna axis:
Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Minjibir, Federal Technical College (FTC) Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, and FTC Kafanchan. - In Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara & Kebbi:
FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tanbuwal, Federal Science College (FSC) Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, and FGGC Kazaure. - In Jigawa, Niger & Kwara:
FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, Federal Government Academy (FGA) Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, and FGC Ugwolawo. - In Kogi & FCT:
FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, and FGGC Abaji. - In Yobe, Adamawa, Bauchi & Gombe:
FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, and FTC Zambuk.
The closure affects Federal Government Girls Colleges, Federal Technical Colleges, Federal Science Colleges, and other Unity Schools strategically located across the federation.
Education authorities assure that the move is temporary and aimed at safeguarding the lives of students and staff while security agencies intensify operations in troubled areas. Parents and guardians have been urged to promptly evacuate their children wherever such directives have been issued by school authorities.
The government has reiterated its commitment to restoring safety in schools and ensuring that the right to education is not undermined by insecurity. Further updates are expected as security assessments continue across affected regions.
