The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 47 Federal Unity Colleges, signalling one of the most extensive emergency education responses in recent years. The directive follows rising attacks in Niger, Kebbi, and parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
A circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, instructed the schools to evacuate students and suspend academic activities until further notice.
The announcement triggered chaotic scenes at FGGC Bwari, Abuja, where anxious parents rushed to withdraw their daughters. Students were seen hauling suitcases, loading tricycles and taxis, and packing dormitories under heavy tension.
Northern states have also implemented sweeping shutdowns.
In Kebbi, all public and private secondary schools were ordered closed after the abduction of schoolgirls in Maga and intelligence reports of further threats.
Education authorities say the closures are necessary to protect students, though security experts warn the shutdowns expose deep structural vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s school-protection systems.
The incident marks Nigeria’s most widespread school evacuation since the height of Boko Haram and bandit abductions between 2014 and 2021.
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