The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed circulating reports suggesting that all government schools in Abuja would be closed by November 28, 2025. Speaking on Tuesday, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, emphasized that no such decision had been taken at any level of the administration.
In response to the confusion caused by an unauthorized circular, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo. Additionally, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has been instructed to discipline the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan, in accordance with civil service regulations.
The clarification comes amid heightened concerns in some northern states, where recent school closures followed a spike in student abductions. The FCTA assured parents, students, and school authorities that the official academic calendar remains unchanged and urged the public to ignore any misleading reports.
To reinforce security, the Minister has ordered the resumption of Operation Sweep and other safety initiatives across the territory, ensuring the protection of all students.
Speaking at a media briefing, the suspended Dr. Danlami Hayyo stated that he neither authorized nor received approval for the school closure directive. He explained that the circular in question was issued without proper authority, emphasizing that school closures in the FCT require explicit ministerial approval. Dr. Hayyo reassured the public that teaching and learning activities in FCT schools continue uninterrupted and that there is no cause for alarm.
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic stability while prioritizing the safety and security of students across the territory, ensuring that the educational environment remains safe for all.