Zainab Ali
The Federal Government on Friday ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following escalating cases of student abductions in several parts of the country.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.
“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,” the circular read.
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; FTC Kuta-Shiroro; 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 follows a series of recent abductions targeting schools. Earlier on Friday, students of St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists, The Journal Nigeria Online reported.
The incident occurred just days after another attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were abducted, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.
On Thursday, authorities in Kwara State ordered the closure of over 50 schools following bandit attacks.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s response to the worsening insecurity.