The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of 47 Unity Colleges across Nigeria following the latest wave of attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger states. The directive came after armed men invaded schools in both states, abducting students and staff, and killing at least one official. In a circular sent to principals on Friday, November 21, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education, said the closure was approved by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as a precautionary move in response to rising security threats. Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges with immediate effect, the circular stated. The affected institutions include unity schools located in Zaria, Daura, Sokoto, Potiskum, Ikare-Akoko, Abaji, and several other areas considered vulnerable.
The shutdown comes amid intensifying concerns over the safety of students nationwide. In Kebbi State, gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga in the early hours, killing Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makaku as he attempted to defend the students, before abducting 25 schoolgirls. A recent report covering 2014 to 2022 shows that more than 1,680 children have been abducted from schools across Nigeria, highlighting the worsening threat to education in several regions.
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