The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has condemned an unauthorised circular directing schools in the FCT to close, calling it a serious breach of administrative protocol.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, November 26, after inspecting ongoing work on Road N11 in Guzape, Wike said he was shocked when he saw the directive on a news ticker and immediately verified it with security authorities.
“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll claiming FCT had ordered schools to close. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the SSS, who confirmed it was not on the agenda,” he said.
He emphasised that there was no threat justifying the closure, describing the announcement as disconnected from reality.
“There is absolutely no threat that justifies shutting down schools,” Wike added.
The minister also contacted the Mandate Secretary for Education, who denied any knowledge of the circular and expressed surprise that officials could take such a decision independently.
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Wike said, “I learnt that a circular was distributed to all schools without our approval. It is inconceivable that such a decision was made without the knowledge of the head of the FCT.
“It is very unfortunate. How could such an action be taken prematurely? I myself cannot do that without notifying the President. This is the FCT — what does it suggest if there is insecurity here? Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have never closed schools due to threats, so how can anyone say we did?”
He reassured parents and school officials that security agencies were working to maintain safety and warned that those responsible for the unauthorised directive would face consequences.
The FCT administration earlier denied that government schools were ordered to close by Friday, 28 November 2025.
A statement signed by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, confirmed that no such directive existed.
It also stated that the Education Secretary had been suspended, and the director who issued the circular would face disciplinary measures under civil service regulations.