Amid a rising wave of school attacks and mass abductions, the federal government has ordered the immediate closure of 47 Unity Colleges across the country, citing urgent security concerns.
The directive was issued in an official circular released on Friday. According to the document, the shutdown became necessary “in view of recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.”
The decision was approved by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the circular was signed by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education, on behalf of the minister.
Principals of the affected schools have been instructed to ensure strict compliance and begin necessary arrangements for closure without delay.
List of the 47 Unity Colleges Ordered to Close
- FGGC Minjibir
- FTC Ganduje
- FGGC Zaria
- FTC Kafanchan
- FGGC Bakori
- FTC Dayi
- FGC Daura
- FGGC Tambuwal
- FSC Sokoto
- FTC Wurno
- FGC Gusau
- FGC Anka
- FGGC Gwandu
- FGC Birnin Yauri
- FTC Zuru
- FGGC Kazaure
- FGC Kiyawa
- FTC Hadeja
- FGGC Bida
- FGC New-Bussa
- FTC Kuta-Shiroro
- FGA Suleja
- FGC Ilorin
- FGGC Omuaran
- FTC Gwanara
- FGC Ugwolawo
- FGGC Kabba
- FTC Ogugu
- FGGC Bwari
- FGC Rubochi
- FGC Abaji
- FGGC Kazaure
- FGC Kiyawa
- FTC Hadejia
- FGGC Potiskum
- FGC Buni Yadi
- FTC Gashua
- FTC Michika
- FGC Ganye
- FGC Azare
- FTC Misau
- FGGC Bajoga
- FGC Billiri
- FTC Zambuk
- FTC Ikare Akoko
- FTC Ijebu-Imusin
- FTC Ushi Ekiti
The closure comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with a widespread and complex security crisis, particularly in the north-west and north-central regions, where banditry and mass abductions have intensified.
In just one week in November, two major attacks on schools were recorded:
- November 17: Gunmen raided the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. About 25 schoolgirls were abducted, and the school’s vice-principal was killed.
- November 21: Armed men attacked St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in the Papiri community, Agwara LGA of Niger State. The number of abducted students has yet to be confirmed.
These incidents have heightened concerns over student safety and further pressured authorities to take preventive measures.
The government has not announced when the affected Unity Colleges will reopen. Meanwhile, parents, teachers, and security analysts are calling for stronger protection measures for schools, especially in regions vulnerable to attacks.
The Ministry of Education says it will continue to monitor the situation closely to determine the next steps for safe learning environments across the country.
