Federal Government Takes Drastic Action Following School Attacks
The Federal Government of Nigeria has mandated the immediate shutdown of 47 Unity Colleges across the country in response to the escalating security crisis affecting educational institutions. This decisive action comes after a fresh wave of violent attacks targeted schools in Kebbi and Niger states, resulting in student abductions and the tragic death of a school official.
Official Directive and Security Concerns
In a circular distributed to principals on Friday, November 21, the Ministry of Education formalized the closure order. Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the ministry, confirmed that Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa approved the measure as a precautionary step against mounting security threats.
The circular explicitly stated: "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 with immediate effect."
Affected Institutions and Recent Incidents
The shutdown affects unity schools located in multiple regions considered particularly vulnerable to security breaches. The affected institutions include colleges in Zaria, Daura, Sokoto, Potiskum, Ikare-Akoko, Abaji, and several other high-risk areas.
The decision follows two particularly brutal incidents that highlighted the urgent need for action. In Kebbi State, armed militants stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga during early morning hours. During the attack, Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makaku was killed while courageously attempting to protect studentsabducted 25 schoolgirls from the institution.
This latest incident adds to a disturbing pattern of school-targeted violence in Nigeria. Recent data covering the period from 2014 to 2022 reveals that more than 1,680 children have been abducted from Nigerian schools, underscoring the severe threat to education security in multiple regions of the country.
National Implications and Education Security
The mass closure of unity colleges represents one of the most significant government responses to the school security crisis to date. The move reflects growing national concern about the safety of students and educational staff nationwide, particularly in regions most affected by banditry and other security challenges.
Educational authorities emphasize that the closure is a temporary protective measure while security assessments and improvements are implemented. However, the continued targeting of schools raises serious questions about the long-term protection of educational institutions and the preservation of children's right to education in security-compromised areas.
The Federal Government now faces increasing pressure to develop comprehensive security strategies specifically designed to protect educational environments and prevent further disruptions to academic activities across Nigeria.
