Minister Wike Takes Action Against Unauthorized School Closure Directive
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed strong condemnation and taken decisive action against officials responsible for issuing an unauthorized memo ordering the closure of schools in Abuja. The minister described the incident as "unimaginable" during his inspection of infrastructure at A11 in the Guzape area on Wednesday.
Wike emphasized that no director possesses the authority to shut down educational institutions without obtaining proper approval from higher authorities. He stressed that even he cannot make such decisions without informing President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the seriousness of the breach in protocol.
The Controversial Memo and Its Aftermath
The confusion began when reports surfaced claiming that all government schools in the Federal Capital Territory had been directed to close by November 28, 2025. The controversial memorandum was allegedly signed by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, who serves as Director of School Services at the FCT Secondary Education Board.
The document, titled "Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due To Security Concerns," instructed school principals to conclude academic activities and dismiss students immediately. However, the Federal Capital Territory Administration quickly dismissed these reports as false and potentially panic-inducing.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, confirmed through an official statement that no such closure order had received approval at any level of government. He assured parents and school administrators that the academic calendar remains unchanged and urged them to disregard the circulating rumors.
Immediate Consequences and Security Reassurance
The fallout from the unauthorized memo has been swift and significant. Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary for Education, has been suspended indefinitely pending further investigation. Wike confirmed that other directors involved in the incident will face sanctions according to civil service regulations.
Expressing his shock at the situation, Wike revealed he learned about the supposed school closures while watching television news. "I was watching television last night and I saw that FCT had directed that schools should be shut down. I couldn't believe it," the minister stated during his interaction with journalists.
Wike immediately contacted security authorities, including the Commissioner of Police, and confirmed that no genuine security threat exists that would justify closing schools in the capital territory. He questioned the logic behind the memo, noting that neighboring states including Kaduna, Nassarawa, and Kogi had not taken similar precautionary measures.
The minister expressed concern that such unauthorized actions create false impressions about security conditions in Abuja, potentially damaging the city's reputation unnecessarily. He assured residents that security agencies are taking all necessary measures to ensure educational institutions remain safe environments for learning.
Wike concluded with a firm warning to civil servants, stating that the administration will not tolerate such breaches of protocol and that all involved officials will face appropriate consequences for their actions.
