Parents and guardians, on Saturday, besieged the 41 Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs), otherwise known as Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), to pick up their children following the recent rise in terror attacks targeting children in boarding schools.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a letter signed by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, directed that principals of the affected schools shut down the schools with immediate effect and students be vacated immediately.

He said the decision was part of precautionary measures against the heightened insecurity in some parts of Nigeria, particularly northern Nigeria.

The affected schools are: Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Minjibir, Kano State; Federal Technical College (FTC), Ganduje, Kano State; FGGC, Zaria; FTC, Kafanchan, Kaduna State; FGGC, Bakori; FTC, Dayi; FGC, Daura; FGGC, Tambuwal; Federal Science College (FSC), Sokoto; FTC, Wurono; FGC, Gusau; FGC, Anka; FGGC, Gwandu; FGC, Birnin Yauri; FTC, Zuru; FGGC, Kazaure; FGC, Kiyawa; FTC, Hadejia; FGGC, Bida; FGC, New-Bussa; and FTC, Kura-Shiroro.

Others are: Federal Government Academy, Suleja; FGC, Ilorin; FGGC, Omu-Aran; FTC, Gwanara; FGC, Ugwolawo; FGGC, Kabba; FTC, Ogugu; FGGC, Bwari; FGC, Rubochi; FGGC, Abaji; FGGC, Potiskum; FGC, Buni-Yadi; FTC, Gashua; FTC, Michika; FGC, Ganye; FGC, Azare; FTC, Misau; FGGC, Bajoga; FGC, Billiri; and FTC, Zambuk.

A parent at FGGC, Bwari, Abuja, who identified herself as Kemi, described the situation as “unfortunate”. “I have been worried since the news of abduction of school children happened in Kebbi and Niger states a few days ago.

“So, when my husband got a notification yesterday (Friday) to come pick up our daughter who is in SS1, I wasted no time to rush to the school this morning (Saturday). They said the reason for this sudden closure of school was insecurity.

“It’s unfortunate that we are back to this heightened insecurity in the country, and mass abduction of school children. This was a repeat of the same script played in 2014 that led to the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls. I hope this matter will be resolved as soon as possible.”

*Sunday Sun* also confirmed that parents and guardians also besieged FGC, Rubochi, Abuja, to pick up their children in response to the directive by the Federal Government.

A parent, Ifeoma Okoh, said the parents were also notified about the development on Friday and were asked to come pick up their children on Saturday pending when security improves and school reopens. “It was a chaotic environment at the school on Saturday morning. Parents and guardians were rushing in and out to pick their children.

“It has become a thing of shame for Nigeria. But it’s better for the children to be at home in the care of their parents than to be in an unsafe school environment,” she said.

*Sunday Sun* also confirmed that many of the affected Unity Schools across the country have been shut down as at Saturday. At Federal Technical College (FTC), Kafanchan, Kaduna State, a parent confirmed that she was also notified and asked to come pick her child, which she did on Saturday morning.

“There was palpable panic on Saturday morning as parents besieged the school as early as they could to pick up their children. We don’t want the Chibok or Dapchi school children horrible experience. It’s better the children are with their parents than the parents are living fear.”

In Kaduna State, St Joseph Seminary, Bassawa, Zaria, also announced temporary closure of the school directing parents to pick up their children on Saturday, unfailingly.

The Rector, Rev Fr Michael Ibrahim Bazai, in a message to the parents on Friday said: “As you are aware, the current insecurity in the country is a concern, especially with schools being a major target.

“After careful analysis and consultation with our Proprietor, and considering the preciousness of life, as Pope St John Paul II would say, ‘defend it’, we have decided that it is best for parents to come and take their children home.

“Therefore, we request that parents come to collect their children on Saturday 22/11/2025, and Sunday 23/11/2025. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our children. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education, in a press statement on Saturday, clarified that the directive was not binding on all schools in Nigeria as being circulated in some social media reports.

Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, in the statement informed the public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognised security agency.

She advised that any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared, urging members of the public to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation. (The Sun)