The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Tuesday dismissed reports claiming that all government schools in Abuja were ordered to shut down by November 28, 2025. The administration described the information as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic.
Earlier in the day, viral online reports alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had directed the closure of senior secondary schools over security concerns. The reports cited a memo signed by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, Director of School Services at the FCT Secondary Education Board, titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due to Security Concerns.”
However, in an official statement issued Tuesday evening, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, refuted the claim, stressing that no directive for early closure was issued at any level of the administration.
Olayinka affirmed that the approved academic calendar remains unchanged and urged parents, students, and school authorities to disregard the rumour.
“The report on early closure of schools is false and misleading. No such decision was taken,”
the statement read in part.
Education Secretary Suspended
Amid the fallout from the unauthorized memo, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo.
Additionally, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has been directed to take disciplinary action against the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan, in line with civil service rules.
Assurance of Safety
The FCTA assured residents of sustained security across schools in the territory. The Minister also ordered the resumption of Operation Sweep and other security reinforcement measures.
Education Secretary Speaks Before Suspension
Speaking to reporters prior to his suspension, Dr. Hayyo distanced himself from the controversial memo, stating that he saw it at the same time as the public.
He clarified that:
- The director who signed the memo lacked the authority to order school closure.
- Only the FCT Minister, or the Education Secretary acting on the Minister’s approval, can authorize such action.
- There is no security threat warranting school closure.
- Teaching and learning activities across FCT are ongoing without disruption.
Hayyo urged parents not to panic:
“There is no cause for alarm. FCT is safe, our schools are safe, and academic activities are continuing effectively.”
FCTA’s Final Position
The administration appealed to the public to rely solely on verified official communication channels and to refrain from spreading unconfirmed reports that could trigger fear among residents.
