In an unprecedented move signalling the gravity of Nigeria’s security crisis, the Federal Government has ordered the shutdown of 47 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) following a new wave of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting schools across the North.
The directive, issued late Thursday night, came from the Office of the Minister of Education through Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Secondary Education. The memo, addressed to all principals of Federal Unity Colleges, cited “worsening security threats and intelligence reports pointing to imminent school invasions” as the reason for the mass closure.
The move follows fresh kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger States, where armed groups invaded multiple schools, abducting scores of students. Security analysts say the coordinated nature of the attacks suggests that terrorist cells are now intentionally targeting federal schools to embarrass the government and trigger national panic.
According to the memo, the shutdown is immediate and will remain in force “until adequate security is guaranteed.” This marks the largest simultaneous closure of Unity Colleges in Nigeria’s history.
Regional Impact and Implications
Most of the affected colleges are located in North-West, North-East, and North-Central states, regions that have witnessed escalating bandit and insurgent activities. Parents across the country have expressed shock and fear, with many saying the shutdown is a wake-up call that Nigeria’s education sector is under attack.
Security experts warn that the decision, though necessary, further highlights the inability of security agencies to safeguard public schools—despite billions allocated to counter-terrorism operations each year.
Full List of Closed 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 Kazaure
- FGC Kiyawa
- FTC Hadejia
- FGGC Potiskum
- FGC Buni Yadi
- FTC Gashua
- FTC Michika
- FGC Ganye
- FGC Azare
- FTC Misau
- FGGC Bajoga
- FGC Billiri
- FTC Zambuk
- FTC Ikare Akoko
- FTC Ijebu-Imusin
- FTC Ushi Ekiti
A Nation on Edge
With Unity Colleges traditionally seen as symbols of federal unity and safe learning environments, the shutdown has raised urgent questions about the fate of students preparing for national exams and the broader future of education in conflict-prone regions.
The Ministry of Education says it is working with defence and intelligence agencies to “re-evaluate security architecture” around public schools. But for many families, the fear remains: if Unity Colleges are no longer safe, nowhere is.