The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) nationwide due to escalating security threats, the Federal Ministry of Education announced in a circular dated November 21, 2025.

The directive, approved by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, instructs principals of the affected schools to enforce the closures without delay. The move comes amid a series of violent incidents targeting students, including the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, and attacks in Niger State.

The affected schools are spread across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and some southern states. The circular, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Abdulkadir, stated:
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges with immediate effect. Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance.”

Some of the schools affected include FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FGGC Omuaran, FGC Kabba, FGGC Bwari, FGGC Abaji, FGGC Potiskum, among others.

The closures follow recent violent incidents, including the attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, where gunmen abducted pupils and injured the gatekeeper. False reports of abductions in Nasarawa State were also quickly debunked by police.

In response to the threats, President Bola Tinubu directed Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee rescue operations. The President also postponed trips to Johannesburg and Luanda, Angola, to focus on national security.

The incidents form part of a long-standing pattern of school-targeted kidnappings in Nigeria, beginning with the 2014 Chibok abductions. International bodies, including UNICEF, have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to ensure the safety of students and protect educational institutions nationwide.