FG shuts 41 Unity Schools over rising student attacks, abductions; Katsina, Plateau follow suite

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has ordered the temporary closure of 41 unity schools over the rising incidents of attacks and student abductions across the country.

In a Friday circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir, the decision was made to ensure the protection of lives amid the rising security threats.

“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. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the circular read.

The affected schools are 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; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.

Others are 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.

Recall the media has earlier reported that the Niger State Police Command has confirmed that armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, of the state, in the early hours of 21 November 2025, abducting an undetermined number of students from the school hostel.

According to a statement by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP W.A. Abiodun, and made available to newsmen on Friday, November 21, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, the governments of Katsina and Plateau states have announced the shutdown of schools in response to the escalating wave of bandit attacks targeting educational institutions in parts of northern Nigeria. In Katsina, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, told journalists on Friday.

In Katsina, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, told journalists on Friday that all schools were directed to close as part of a new statewide safety plan currently being rolled out by security agencies.

Jibia said the measure was necessary to protect students and teachers, including those presently sitting for examinations. He noted that safeguarding lives remains the top priority of the state government.

According to him, the closure is temporary and will remain in effect until security teams complete a detailed assessment of vulnerable locations and implement strengthened protection measures.

He appealed to parents, school authorities and residents to cooperate while authorities continue to track the evolving security situation.

Similarly, the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) announced the suspension of classes across government primary and secondary schools.

In a statement issued on Friday in Jos, SUBEB spokesperson Richard Jonah said the directive reflects “the urgent need for preventive action and to safeguard lives and property in the state.”

Jonah explained that government junior model secondary schools will shut down from Saturday, November 22, while primary and day schools will close from Monday, November 24.

The move, he said, is a temporary but essential step to avert potential threats and reassure the public of the government’s commitment to student safety.

He urged local government education authorities, school heads and community leaders to fully comply with the order and maintain vigilance.

The decisions by the two states come amid heightened anxiety following the recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger states, incidents that have intensified calls for stronger security around schools across the North-West.