The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has denounced an unauthorised circular directing schools in the FCT to shut down, describing it as a “careless and embarrassing” breach of official procedures.
Wike reacted on Wednesday while briefing journalists during an inspection tour of the ongoing Road N11 construction project in Guzape.
The minister said he was stunned when he saw a news scroll suggesting that the FCT administration had ordered schools to close”
“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll claiming that FCT had ordered schools to close. I couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the SSS, and they both confirmed it was never discussed.”
He insisted there was no intelligence report warranting a shutdown of schools, criticising those behind the circular for acting without authority.
“There is absolutely no threat that justifies shutting down schools,” he stressed.
“It is inconceivable that such a decision would be taken without notifying the head of the FCT. Even I cannot issue such a directive without informing Mr President.”
Wike said he also reached out to the Mandate Secretary for Education, who denied knowledge of the circular and expressed disbelief that such a sensitive action could be taken “in anticipation.”
The minister faulted the comparison being circulated online suggesting that the FCT was responding to insecurity concerns.
“Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have never closed schools because of threats. So how can anyone claim the FCT did?” he asked.
The FCT administration, in an earlier statement issued by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, also dismissed the report, clarifying that no directive had been issued for government schools to shut down by Friday, November 28, 2025.
According to the statement, the Education Secretary was immediately suspended, while the director who authorised the memo is to face disciplinary measures in line with civil service rules.
Wike assured parents, school heads, and residents that security agencies were working to maintain safety in all learning environments, adding that those responsible for the misleading circular would be sanctioned.
