Insecurity: FCTA debunks school closure rumour, suspends Mandate Secretary, orders probe of officials

By James Ike

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has firmly dismissed reports alleging an abrupt closure of schools across the territory, describing the claim as “entirely false and without any authorisation.”

In a statement, it clarified “no such decision was taken at any level of the administration,” and urged residents to disregard the circulating notice, which had sparked anxiety among parents and school administrators.

The rumour, however, carried significant consequences within the FCTA. Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, swiftly ordered the suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, after an unauthorized circular announcing the purported closure began to circulate widely.

According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has also been directed to begin disciplinary action against the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan, “in accordance with civil service rules.”

The false announcement had heightened public tension, especially against the backdrop of recent school closures in some northern states due to rising incidents of student abductions.

Addressing newsmen on Tuesday evening, the suspended Mandate Secretary, Dr. Hayyo, distanced himself from the controversial document and denied any involvement.

“Honestly, the way you saw the circular is the same way I saw it. The director who signed that document had no authority to do so.

"In the FCT Administration, you can only close schools with the approval of the Honourable Minister. I never received such approval, and there was absolutely nothing that warranted shutting schools on or before Friday 28th.”

He urged parents to stay calm, assuring them that academic activities across FCT schools were continuing without interruption.

The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability in the education sector and enhancing security across the territory. It added that Minister Wike has ordered the immediate resumption of Operation Sweep and other security initiatives to boost safety around public institutions.

The administration reiterated that schools remain open and the approved academic calendar stands unchanged.