The Federal Government on Friday ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following a surge in student abductions across parts of the country.

The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir. According to the document, the decision was taken as part of urgent measures to forestall further security breaches targeting schools.

“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,” the circular stated. It further instructed principals of the affected schools to ensure strict compliance.

The schools ordered to shut down include: FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafancha; FGGC Bakori; FTC Dayi; FGC Daura; FGGC Tambuwal; FSC Sokoto; FTC Wurno; FGC Gusau; FGC Anka; FGGC Gwandu; FGC Birnin Yauri; FTC Zuru; FGGC Kazaure; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New Bussa; FTC Kuta-Shiroro; FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu-Aran; FTC Gwanara; FGC Ugwolawo; FGGC Kabba; FTC Ogugu; FGGC Bwari; FGC Rubochi; FGGC Abaji; FGGC Potiskum; FGC Buni Yadi; FTC Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Billiri; and FTC Zambuk.

The sweeping measure comes in the wake of multiple attacks on educational institutions. Earlier this week, terrorists abducted several students of St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident followed the kidnapping of 25 students in Maga, Kebbi State, intensifying fears over the safety of children in schools.

In Kwara State, authorities on Thursday shut down over 50 schools after bandit incursions were reported in several communities.

President Bola Tinubu has also cancelled his scheduled trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate the government’s security response as concerns mount over the deteriorating situation, particularly in northern Nigeria.

The Ministry of Education said the closures are temporary but necessary as security agencies intensify efforts to contain the threat and ensure the safe return of abducted students.