The Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide due to rising security threats from student abductions. This decision follows recent kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger states, aimed at preventing further breaches. The minister of education approved the measure in a circular dated November 21, 2025.
In response to escalating kidnappings of school students, the Federal Government has shut down 41 Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria. The order came from Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, as announced in a statement by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, director of senior secondary education at the Federal Ministry of Education.
The circular, dated November 21, 2025, and referenced FME/DSSE/GM/S.160/C.11, is titled 'Closure of forty-one (41) Federal Unity Colleges.' It states: “Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect (see attached). Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance.”
This action follows the abduction of 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State on Monday, where gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons raided the school around 4:00 a.m., also killing a staff member. Police deployed but could not prevent the escape. Similar fears arose after kidnappings in Niger State.
Nigeria has 104 Federal Unity Colleges in total. The affected institutions, primarily in northern states, include FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, and others up to FTC Zambuk.
President Bola Tinubu expressed depression over the Kebbi incident and the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and soldiers in Borno State. In a post on X on Wednesday, he said: “Their families, and the families of the kidnapped schoolgirls, are in my prayers. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.”
The closures highlight ongoing security challenges, reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok abduction of nearly 300 girls, which drew global attention and led to further school attacks.
