By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country following heightened security concerns threatening learning institutions.
The directive was contained in a circular issued to principals of the affected schools and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir.
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges,” the circular read.
The shutdown affects colleges in Zaria, Daura, Sokoto, Potiskum, Ikare-Akoko, Abaji and several others considered vulnerable to attacks.
The move comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with increasing assaults on schools, particularly in the northern region.
Only days ago, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 students in an overnight raid. The school’s vice-principal, Malam Hassan Makaku, was killed while attempting to repel the attackers.
According to a national report covering 2014 to 2022, more than 1,680 schoolchildren were abducted across the country during that period — a trend that has raised deep concern among parents, educationists and security analysts.
The Ministry said the closures are temporary and aimed at safeguarding students and staff while security agencies intensify efforts to stabilise affected communities.
The 41 affected schools include:
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 HADEJIA
FGGC BIDA
FGC NEW-BUSSA
FTC KUTA-SHIRORO
FGA SULEJA
FGC ILORIN
FGC OMUARAN
FTC GWANARA
FGC UGWOLAWO
FGGC KABBA
FTC OGUGU
FGGC BUWARI
FGC RUBOCHI
FGGC ABAJI
FGGC POTISKUM
FGC BUNI YADI
FTC GASHUA
FTC MICHIKA
FGC GANYE
FGC AZARE
FTC MISAU
FGGC BAJOGA
FGC BILLIRI
FTC ZAMBUK