Wike Condemns Unauthorized School-Closure Memo, Says No Security Threat in FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that all officials involved in the controversial memo ordering the early closure of schools in Abuja will face strict sanctions, insisting that there is no security threat warranting such action.

Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection of infrastructure projects at A11 in the Guzape District, Wike described the move as “unimaginable” and “unacceptable,” stressing that a director has no authority to issue such a sensitive directive without clearance from higher authorities.

Wike said even he would not order school closures without first briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting the national implications of such a decision.

The controversy erupted on Tuesday after a memo—signed by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, Director of School Services, FCT Secondary Education Board—circulated widely, directing all government schools in the FCT to shut down due to alleged security concerns. The memo, titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due to Security Concerns,” instructed school heads to end academic activities immediately.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) swiftly debunked the report, calling it false, destabilising, and capable of inciting unnecessary panic. The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, reaffirmed that no such directive was issued and that the school calendar remains unchanged.

Following the backlash, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, was suspended indefinitely pending investigation.

Wike, visibly angered, said he was shocked when he saw the report on television.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I called the Mandate Secretary of Education, and when he couldn’t respond, I immediately sought details. I later discovered the circular was issued without any approval.”

He added that security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, confirmed that no threat warranted shutting down schools.

“Kaduna has never shut down. Nasarawa has never shut down. Kogi has never shut down. Why should the FCT be the first when there is no such threat?” Wike queried.
“Anyone involved will be punished in line with civil service rules. We will not forgive this.”

He emphasised that unauthorized dissemination of such directives undermines public confidence and sends a dangerous message suggesting insecurity in the nation’s capital.