Rising Insecurity: Federal Government Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Colleges

Rising Insecurity: Federal Government Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Colleges

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 41 Unity Colleges across the country following a fresh wave of attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger States, where students and staff were abducted and at least one school official was killed.

In a circular issued to principals on Friday, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, approved the temporary closure in response to the escalating security threats facing federal schools.

“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,” the circular stated.

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The affected institutions include Unity Colleges in Zaria, Daura, Sokoto, Potiskum, Ikare-Akoko, Abaji, and several others considered vulnerable to attacks.

This nationwide directive follows a surge in assaults on educational facilities. In Kebbi State, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, abducting 25 students and killing the vice-principal, Malam Hassan Makaku, who attempted to resist the attackers.

The growing insecurity in schools remains a major concern. A recent report covering 2014 to 2022 revealed that over 1,680 children were abducted from schools across Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protective measures.

The Federal Government said the closures are temporary but necessary to prevent further tragedies as security agencies intensify efforts to safeguard learning environments nationwide.

Rising Insecurity: Federal Government Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Colleges