The Nigerian government has moved to discipline senior education officials in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after a controversial circular prematurely directing public schools to shut down, despite there being no verified security threat.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, speaking after a project inspection tour in Abuja on Wednesday, said he was “shocked” to see media reports claiming the administration had approved school closures.
“I was watching the news and couldn’t believe a directive was issued without our consent,” Wike said. “There is no intelligence report or security concern that warrants shutting schools in the capital.”
Wike ordered an investigation after learning of the document, which was signed by Aishatu Alhassan of the FCT Secondary Education Board and referenced an alleged approval from Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary of the Education Secretariat. Hayyo later disowned the circular, saying he had never authorised it and adding that only the minister has the power to approve such decisions.
In response, Wike suspended Hayyo indefinitely, stating that those behind the incident would face sanctions under civil service regulations. He also said Alhassan would be disciplined by the acting FCT Head of Service.
The minister argued that shutting schools would send the wrong message nationally, suggesting that Abuja was unsafe even though nearby states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa and Kogi had not suspended academic activities.
A statement from Wike’s aide, Lere Olayinka, urged the public to ignore the report and assured residents that the existing school calendar remains in force. He added that security measures across the city—including Operation Sweep—are being strengthened.
Parents and students were advised to continue regular academic activities, with the FCT administration insisting that the capital remains safe.
