The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following heightened security concerns across several regions of the country.
The directive was issued in a circular dated November 21, 2025, from the Federal Ministry of Education. According to the document, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, approved the shutdown in response to “recent security challenges” and the need to forestall possible breaches.
The circular, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Abdulkadir, on behalf of the minister, directed principals of the affected schools to enforce the closure without delay.
The colleges affected are spread across the North-West, North-East, North-Central and parts of the South.
The circular read in part:
“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 (FUCs) with immediate effect. Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance.”
Full List of Affected Schools
- FGGC Minjibir
- FTC Ganduje
- FGGC Zaria
- FTC Kafanchan
- 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
- FTC Kuta-Shiroro
- FGA Suleja
- FGC Ilorin
- FGGC Omuaran
- FTC Gwanara
- FGC Ugwolawo
- FGGC Kabba
- FTC Ogugu
- FGGC Bwari
- FGC Rubochi
- FGGC Abaji
- FGGC Potiskum
- FGC Buni Yadi
- FTC Gashua
- FTC Michika
- FGC Ganye
- FGC Azare
- FTC Misau
- FGGC Bajoga
- FGC Billiri
- FTC Zambuk
Rising Attacks on Schools Spark Nationwide Concern
The mass closure comes amid renewed attacks on educational institutions across the country.
On Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of students. Witnesses said the attackers arrived on over 60 motorcycles and shot the school’s gatekeeper, who was critically injured.
Earlier in the week, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Maga town, Kebbi State.
The surge in incidents has heightened tension nationwide, prompting rumours of further abductions. In Nasarawa State, the police were forced to dismiss claims that two pupils were kidnapped from St. Peter’s Academy, describing the report as “false and not reflective of the true state of affairs”.
In reaction to the escalating threats, President Bola Tinubu ordered the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to oversee rescue operations. The president also postponed his official trips to Johannesburg and Angola.
The latest attacks add to a worrying pattern of student kidnappings that began with the 2014 Chibok abductions and have since spread across northern Nigeria.
Global bodies, including UNICEF, have repeatedly condemned the targeting of schools and urged the government to strengthen security around learning institutions.
