The Federal Government has ordered the temporary shutdown of 41 Federal Unity Colleges as insecurity worsens across several parts of the country, particularly the northern region.

The directive was issued through a circular released on Friday by Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education. According to the memo, the measure became necessary following a disturbing rise in attacks targeting schools.

“Following the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the urgent need to prevent any breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges,” the circular stated.

Principals were told to enforce the directive without delay.

Wide Geographic Spread of Affected Schools

The closures affect institutions across numerous northern states, highlighting the extent of the security threat.

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.

String of Attacks Intensifies Fears

The order comes on the heels of yet another kidnapping incident in Niger State, where terrorists abducted students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Earlier in the week, 25 students were reportedly taken by armed men in Maga, Kebbi State—one of several attacks that have fueled growing anxiety among parents and school authorities.

In Kwara State, more than 50 schools were abruptly closed on Thursday after bandits raided nearby communities and kidnapped worshippers during an attack on a church in Eruku.

Presidency Shifts Focus to Security

Amid mounting pressure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to coordinate a national response to the escalating school attacks.

Officials say the government is working to strengthen security architecture and prevent further incidents.

Also Read: Plateau State Shuts All Basic Schools Over Rising Security Threats

The Federal Ministry of Education has assured Nigerians that the closures are temporary and aimed at protecting students while the government evaluates and reinforces safety protocols in vulnerable areas.