FCT Minister Nyesom Wike condemns unauthorised school closure directive, assuring parents and officials that schools remain open

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday strongly condemned an unauthorised circular directing schools across the FCT to close, describing the action as an embarrassing and dangerous breach of administrative protocol.

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Speaking after inspecting the ongoing construction of Road N11 in Guzape, Wike expressed shock upon seeing the directive reported on a news scroll, insisting that he could not have issued such an order without the President’s consent.

“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll claiming FCT had ordered schools to close. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the SSS, who confirmed it was not on the agenda,” Wike said.

“There is absolutely no threat that justifies shutting down schools. It is detached from reality,” he added.

The minister also engaged with the Mandate Secretary for Education, who denied any knowledge of the directive and expressed incredulity that officials would take such a serious decision in advance.

“I learnt that a circular was distributed to all schools without our approval. It is inconceivable that such a decision was made without the knowledge of the head of the FCT.

How could such an action be taken prematurely? I myself cannot do that without notifying the President,” Wike stated.

Reassuring parents and school officials, Wike emphasised that security agencies are working tirelessly to maintain school operations and warned that all personnel involved in the unauthorised directive would face consequences.

Earlier, the FCT administration denied reports that government schools were ordered to close by Friday, 28 November 2025. A statement signed by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, confirmed that no such directive had been issued.

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The statement also revealed that the Education Secretary had been suspended and the director responsible for issuing the circular would face disciplinary action in line with civil service regulations.