Anger And Warning: Wike Reacts To FCT School Shutdown Order

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday issued a stern warning, declaring that the officials behind the controversial school-closure memo “will not be spared,” stressing that disciplinary action is inevitable.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking to reporters during an infrastructure inspection at A11 in Guzape, Abuja, Wike expressed outrage, describing the decision as “unimaginable” and a blatant act of insubordination.

He questioned how a director could unilaterally issue a memo ordering schools to close without proper approval, criticizing junior officials for taking major decisions without clearance from the Presidency or senior authorities, noting that such actions undermine governance structures.

Wike emphasised that the President must always be briefed before any drastic measures affecting the nation’s capital are implemented. He dismissed claims that Abuja currently faces any security threat warranting the closure of schools, calling the memo’s justification entirely baseless.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had on Tuesday denied circulating reports of an early shutdown of government schools before November 28, 2025, describing the news as “false, malicious and destabilising” and capable of inciting fear and disrupting public peace.

The controversy stemmed from an internal document issued by the Director of School Services at the FCT Secondary Education Board, Aishatu Sani Alhassan, titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due To Security Concerns.” The memo instructed school principals to end academic activities and dismiss students “in an orderly manner.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, clarified in a Tuesday statement that no directive to alter the school calendar or close schools had been issued at any level of the FCT Administration.

Reacting to the incident, Wike said:

“Sometimes in the system, you get baffled, and this is why it’s important to be up-to-date. I saw reports on television claiming FCT had directed schools to shut down, and I couldn’t believe it. I immediately contacted the Mandate Secretary of Education, who couldn’t provide an explanation. Upon further investigation, I discovered the circular had been issued without our approval. There was no agenda for such action, and no security threat justifies it.”

He added:

“As a result, the Mandate Secretary of Education has been suspended indefinitely, and the directors involved will face sanctions under civil service rules. It is unimaginable that such a decision could be taken without the knowledge of the head of affairs. Even I cannot act without briefing the President. The message this sends is dangerous—it implies insecurity in the FCT, which is not the case. Other states like Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have not shut down schools. Security agencies are working to ensure safety, but we will not forgive anyone involved in this action.”