Tinubu Govt Shuts 47 Unity Schools Over Rising Security Threats

The Federal Government has directed the immediate shutdown of 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country following what officials described as rising and “heightened security risks” in several regions.

The order was contained in a circular issued on Friday, with the Ministry of Education warning that closing the schools was necessary to protect students and staff amid escalating threats.

According to the document, the directive was approved by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. The circular was signed on his behalf by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir.

The ministry said the closure was a proactive step taken after comprehensive security assessments raised fresh concerns about attacks on schools.

Principals of all affected institutions have been instructed to comply without delay and ensure students are evacuated safely.

The circular read in part: “In view of the heightened security risks in several regions, the Honourable Minister has approved the immediate closure of the affected Federal Unity Colleges. All principals are to enforce this directive with immediate effect.”

The shutdown comes amid multiple security incidents targeting educational institutions. On Friday, the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger State confirmed that 227 persons, including students, were abducted at St Mary’s Catholic School, Minna — one of several attacks recorded in recent days.

The directive has sparked concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s education sector, especially as banditry and terrorism continue to threaten rural and urban communities.