The Federal Government has ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following a sharp rise in the abduction of students across the country.
The directive was contained in a circular issued on Friday 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,” the circular read.
Principals of the affected schools were instructed to “ensure strict compliance.”
The affected schools span several northern states, reflecting the widespread nature of the threat.
They 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.
It was earlier reported that some students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, were kidnapped by terrorists.
The incident comes just days after a similar attack in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 students were kidnapped, heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across the region.
On Thursday, over 50 schools were closed in Kwara State after bandits attacked communities and abducted worshippers from a church in Eruku.
The escalating attacks have prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cancel his scheduled visits to South Africa and Angola in order to coordinate the government’s response.
