Wike Debunks Early School Closure Rumor, Suspends Education Official

By our Correspondent

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has refuted claims circulating about an alleged early closure of public schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dismissing reports of a November 28, 2025 shutdown as false and misleading.

Wike stated that no directive was issued for government schools in Abuja to close ahead of schedule.

According to an official statement from the Administration, parents, students, and school authorities were urged to disregard the rumor, as the existing academic calendar remains intact.

In response to the misinformation, Barr. Wike suspended the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and directed the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, to take disciplinary action against the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan, in line with civil service procedures.

Meanwhile, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary for Education, distanced himself from the viral circular announcing a November 28 school closure. He described the document as “incorrect and unauthorized.”

Speaking in an interview, Hayyo clarified that the director who issued and signed the circular lacked the authority to do so, noting that only the FCT Minister can approve school closures. He stressed that the circular “has no merit or credibility,” urging parents and school officials to disregard it.

Hayyo attributed the misinformation to a breach of protocol by the Director of School Services and assured the public that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken. He emphasized there was no cause for concern, stating that all schools in the FCT remain safe and academic activities are continuing without disruption.

He added:
“Honestly, the way the circular appeared to the public was the same way I saw it. It is clearly wrong because the director who signed it has no right to do so. In the FCT Administration, only the Honorable Minister can approve the closure of schools for any reason. I received no such directive or approval.”

Hayyo further stressed that the director lacked the authority to communicate any school closure to parents or principals, reiterating that such decisions can only be made by the Minister or through the Education Secretary.

“There is no cause for alarm. The FCT is safe, our schools are safe, and teaching and learning are ongoing effectively without any interruption,” he assured.

The FCT Administration has since suspended the Mandate Secretary and ordered disciplinary action against the involved director. It also reassured residents of continued security in the territory and confirmed that the academic calendar remains unchanged. Parents and students were again advised to ignore the misleading circular.

Additionally, the FCTA assured the public of strengthened security measures, with the Minister directing the resumption of Operation Sweep alongside other security initiatives across the capital.