FG Orders Immediate Shutdown of 47 Unity Colleges Nationwide Amid Rising School Attacks

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country, a decisive step triggered by the resurgence of violent attacks on schools, particularly in Kebbi and Niger States.

This sweeping directive follows fresh waves of insecurity in which students and staff were abducted, and at least one education official was shot dead, raising nationwide concern over the safety of learning environments.

According to a circular issued on Friday to all principals of the affected institutions, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, announced that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had approved the temporary closure due to escalating security vulnerabilities in several regions.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed federal unity colleges with immediate effect,” The circular stated.

Affected institutions span key locations including Zaria, Daura, Sokoto, Potiskum, Ikare-Akoko, Abaji, among others, reflecting the broad geographical impact of the shutdown.

The closure comes at a time when the nation is witnessing a disturbing surge in targeted attacks on educational facilities. In the most recent incident in Kebbi State, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, abducting 25 students during a raid carried out in the early hours of the morning. The school’s vice-principal, Malam Hassan Makaku, was shot dead while attempting to defend the students.

National data underscores the gravity of the crisis. A report covering the period between 2014 and 2022 revealed that more than 1,680 children were abducted from schools across Nigeria, a trend that has eroded confidence in the safety of education in vulnerable communities.

The Federal Government’s directive is expected to remain in force until security agencies provide clearance for the safe reopening of the affected Unity Colleges. Parents, students, and staff nationwide are anxiously awaiting further guidance as authorities intensify efforts to secure schools and curb the rising wave of abductions.