The Federal Government has closed 41 unity schools nationwide following a sharp increase in student abductions, raising fresh concerns about school safety in Nigeria.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa approved the immediate shutdown after consulting with security agencies, according to a Friday directive from Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The closure affects schools in high-risk states where bandits have intensified attacks on learning institutions.
Principals received orders to shut down operations immediately to protect students and teachers from potential kidnappings.
Recent incidents pushed authorities to act. Last week, bandits abducted students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Days before that, 25 students were kidnapped in Maga, Kebbi State.
Kwara State authorities had already closed over 50 schools on Thursday after bandits raided communities near several learning centers.
The 41 affected schools span across northern and north-central Nigeria:
Kaduna & Kano: FGGC Zaria, FGA Suleja, FGC Daura, FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduve, FTC Kafancha
Sokoto & Zamfara: FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGGC Tambuwal, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu
Kebbi & Jigawa: FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia
Niger & Kwara: FGGC Bida, FGC New Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara
Kogi: FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu
FCT: FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji
Yobe & Adamawa: FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashau, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye
Bauchi & Gombe: FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, FTC Zambuk
Katsina: FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi
The ministry said the schools will remain closed while security agencies work to stabilize the affected regions and strengthen protection around learning institutions.
