ABUJA, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following rising security threats across multiple states, the Ministry of Education said Friday.
The directive was issued in a circular dated November 21 and approved by the Minister of Education. According to the document, the shutdown was necessary in view of “recent security challenges” and the urgency to prevent further breaches in learning institutions.
Principals of all affected colleges were instructed to enforce the closure without delay.
The circular, signed by Director of Senior Secondary Education Hajia Abdulkadir, listed schools across the North-West, North-East, North-Central and parts of the South as affected.
“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 affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance,” the statement said.
Full List of Affected Schools
North-West / North-East / North-Central / South
FGGC Minjibir
FTC Ganduje
FGGC Zaria
FTC Kafanchan
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
FGA Suleja
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 Gashua
FTC Michika
FGC Ganye
FGC Azare
FTC Misau
FGGC Bajoga
FGC Billiri
FTC Zambuk
The federal order comes as insecurity intensifies across northern states, prompting sweeping emergency measures.
Earlier Friday, the Katsina State Government also shut down all public schools over similar threats.
In Niger State, heavily armed attackers stormed St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an undetermined number of students. Witnesses said the gunmen arrived on more than 60 motorcycles and shot the gatekeeper, who survived but suffered serious injuries.
The attack was one of several recorded during the week.
In Kwara State, bandits abducted at least 30 worshippers from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku and killed three people. Kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million per victim.
In Kebbi State, gunmen kidnapped 26 schoolgirls in Maga community during an early-morning raid on Monday.
A rumored school abduction in Nasarawa also caused panic on Friday, but police dismissed the report as false.
Amid escalating fears, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi to coordinate rescue operations. The President also postponed his planned trips to Johannesburg and Angola.
The surge in school attacks and mass abductions has deepened nationwide anxiety and forced authorities to take urgent steps to safeguard students in vulnerable regions.
