The Federal Government has dismissed reports of a nationwide shutdown of schools, clarifying that no directive was issued ordering all learning institutions to close from November 24, 2025. The Federal Ministry of Education, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, described the viral message spreading across social media as “false and misleading.”
The clarification came a day after the government ordered the temporary closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges in the North-West and parts of the North-Central following heightened security alerts and attempted attacks near several schools. The directive instructed principals to release students to their families immediately and activate remote learning arrangements where possible.
Boriowo urged the public to disregard unverified information and rely solely on official communication channels from government and security agencies.
States React With Independent Shutdowns
Meanwhile, the worsening security crisis has triggered sweeping school closures at state level.
Niger State
In Niger State, all public and private primary and secondary schools have been shut after the abduction of 315 pupils, students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwarra LGA.
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger Chapter, said the figure rose after a headcount showed that 88 additional students earlier believed to have escaped were also abducted.
Parents, many in distress, recounted how the attackers stormed the school through the nursery section, taking away children as young as seven.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has extended the closure to all missionary and Islamic schools, Federal Government Colleges, and vulnerable tertiary institutions.
Adamawa State
The Adamawa State Government has also ordered the deboarding of all public and private boarding schools, directing that they operate as day schools until further notice. Commissioner for Education, Dr. Umar Pella, said the move is a temporary measure to protect students following recent abductions in other northern states.
Parents Express Fear and Frustration
In Imo and Kwara States, parents besieged Federal Government Girls’ College, Owerri, and FGC Ilorin to pick up their children after receiving closure notices.
Some parents praised government precautions, while others worried about disruptions to academics and questioned how criminal groups access military-grade weapons and uniforms.
Kwara Governor’s spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, assured that authorities are working with security agencies to maintain safety across schools and communities.
Ministry Warns Against Fake News
The Ministry of Education reiterated that only verified government channels should be trusted and warned Nigerians against circulating unfounded claims that may cause panic.
