FG Orders Immediate Closure of 41 Unity Colleges Over Rising Security Threats
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The Federal Government has directed the immediate closure of 41 unity colleges across the country following renewed attacks and the rising wave of student abductions in several states.
The directive was issued on Friday in a statement signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister of Education. She explained that the measure became necessary to prevent potential security breaches in the affected schools.
All principals of the listed colleges have been instructed to comply with the closure order without delay.
The schools affected include FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu and FGC Birnin Yauri.
Others are FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New Bussa, FTC Kuta Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGGC Bakori, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji and FGGC Potiskum.
Also ordered to shut down are FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri and FTC Zambuk.
An analysis of the list shows that most of the affected schools are located in the Northwest, Northeast and North Central zones, where insecurity has remained a major challenge.
The closure directive comes just days after students were kidnapped from a school in Kebbi State. On Friday, another mass abduction was reported in Niger State, further heightening national concern over the safety of schoolchildren.
The Federal Government says the closures are a precautionary measure as authorities intensify efforts to secure learning environments across the country.
