The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has firmly denied rumors that all government schools in Abuja would close early due to security threats. The administration labeled the reports false and misleading.
Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, has taken decisive action in response to an unauthorized closure circular. He ordered the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo . The Minister also directed the Acting Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, to discipline the Director of School Services, Aishatu Alhassan, who signed the controversial memo . The disciplinary action will follow established civil service rules .
The situation began when a memo from the FCT Secondary Education Board circulated online. Dated November 25, the memo instructed all public senior secondary schools to end academic activities by Friday, November 28 . It cited urgent security concerns and told schools to dismiss students in a safe and orderly manner . This directive was issued without the approval of the FCT Minister, which is required for such a significant decision .
In an official statement, the minister's office moved quickly to calm fears. Senior Special Assistant Lere Olayinka assured parents and students that the approved academic calendar remains in effect . He urged the public to disregard the rumored shutdown and stated that no decision to close schools was made at any level of the administration .
The FCTA also addressed the broader context of safety. The administration assured residents that security in the capital is adequate . To bolster this, Minister Wike has directed the resumption of "Operation Sweep" and other security initiatives across the federal capital . This security team is tasked with protecting schools and other public spaces .
Before his suspension, Mandate Secretary Hayyo attempted to distance himself from the memo. He told reporters that he saw the circular at the same time as the public . He clarified that the director who signed the memo did not have the authority to order schools closed . Hayyo emphasized that only the FCT Minister, or the Education Secretary acting with the minister's approval, can authorize such a closure . He sought to reassure parents, stating, "There is no cause for alarm. FCT is safe, our schools are safe, and academic activities are continuing effectively" .
The unauthorized memo and the strong reaction from the minister's office happened against a worrying backdrop. Recent weeks have seen a resurgence of mass abductions from schools in northern Nigeria . Just days ago, terrorists attacked a school in Kebbi State, abducting 25 schoolgirls and killing a vice principal . In a separate incident in Niger State, gunmen abducted 303 pupils, students, and staff from a Catholic school . These events have created a climate of anxiety, prompting several states to close schools as a precaution .
The FCT Administration's clear denial and the punishment of the officials involved highlight a key point. The government wants to project an image of stability and control, especially in the nation's capital . Closing schools could be seen as a sign that security forces cannot protect the heart of the Nigerian government. The administration's message is that Abuja is safe and that normal academic life should continue without interruption .
For now, parents and students in the Federal Capital Territory are advised to follow the official academic calendar. They should rely only on verified communication channels from the FCTA for updates . The administration has promised to maintain security and has taken steps to prevent the spread of unconfirmed reports that can cause unnecessary panic .