Wike slams unauthorized FCT school closure directive

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly condemned the unauthorised circular directing schools across the FCT to close, calling the action an embarrassing and dangerous breach of administrative protocol.

Speaking to the press after inspecting the ongoing construction of Road N11 in Guzape, Wike expressed shock upon seeing the directive reported on a news scroll, stating that he could not have issued such an order without the President’s consent.

“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll claiming FCT had ordered schools to close. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the SSS, who confirmed it was not on the agenda,” he said.

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“There is absolutely no threat that justifies shutting down schools,” he added, condemning the announcement as detached from reality.

Wike also spoke with the Mandate Secretary for Education, who denied knowledge of any such directive and was incredulous that officials would take such a serious decision ‘in anticipation’.

“I learnt that a circular was distributed to all schools without our approval. It is inconceivable that such a decision was made without the knowledge of the head of the FCT. It is very unfortunate.

“How could such an action be taken prematurely? I myself cannot do that without notifying the President. This is the FCT — what does it suggest if there is insecurity here?

“Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have never closed schools due to threats, so how can anyone say we did?” he questioned.

The minister reassured parents and school officials that security agencies are working tirelessly to keep schools open and vowed that no one involved in the unauthorised directive would be spared.

Earlier, the FCT administration denied reports that all government schools were ordered to shut down by Friday, 28 November 2025.

A statement signed by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, confirmed that no such directive had been issued.

It added that the Education Secretary had been suspended immediately, and the director responsible for issuing the memo would face disciplinary action in accordance with civil service regulations.