The Federal Capital Territory Administration has dismissed reports that Abuja government schools will close on November 28, calling the claims completely false and unauthorized.
The rumor spread rapidly on social media and some broadcasters after a fake circular appeared online.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike responded by immediately suspending the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, pending investigation.
Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, said 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, for her involvement in circulating the false notice.
The FCTA assured parents, students, and school staff that the academic calendar remains unchanged and urged them to ignore the misinformation.
The controversy comes as several northern states have closed schools due to increased student kidnappings.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday evening, Dr. Hayyo denied issuing any school closure directive.
“The way you saw the circular is the same way I saw it,” he said. “The director who signed the circular had no right to do that.
Only the Honourable Minister of FCT can approve school closure, and there was no such approval.”
He reassured parents that all schools in the territory are operating normally and remain secure.
“There is no cause for alarm. All our schools are safe,” he added.
The administration emphasized its commitment to maintaining academic continuity and student safety across the FCT.
Minister Wike has ordered the immediate restart of Operation Sweep and other security programs to strengthen protection in schools and surrounding areas.
Residents are advised to get their information from official government sources and disregard misleading messages online.
