The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the immediate closure of 41 of the country’s Federal Unity Colleges (also known as Federal Government Colleges).
The directive, contained in a circular released on Friday, November 21, 2025, cites “recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.”
The action follows a string of mass abductions of schoolchildren, including recent high-profile incidents in Kebbi and Niger states.
- Approval: The closure was approved by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education.
- Signatory: The circular was signed by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education.
- Compliance: Principals of the affected colleges have been instructed to suspend academic activities immediately and ensure strict compliance with the order, allowing students to return home.
The 41 affected schools are reportedly concentrated in areas considered high-risk, mostly across northern Nigeria. This move is part of a wider reaction, with state governments like Katsina and Plateau also ordering the closure of various public schools.