Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued a grim warning on Wednesday, stating that the directors responsible for the contentious school closure document will “not be spared” and that retribution is unavoidable.
During an infrastructure inspection at A11 in Guzape, Abuja, the minister spoke to reporters and expressed fury, calling the choice “unimaginable” and a blatant act of disobedience.
It is unthinkable, according to Wike, that a director would wake up and send out a message closing schools without permission.
He emphasized that such activities damage governance systems and questioned the chutzpah of junior officials making significant choices without higher authority or the presidency’s approval.
The minister also emphasized that before taking any significant measure that could have an impact on the country’s capital, the President must be informed.
Wike completely rejected the premise of the document, arguing that Abuja does not now confront a security problem that warrants halting schools.
Recall that on Tuesday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) denied rumors that government schools would close earlier than November 28, 2025.
Reports were “capable of inciting fear and disrupting public peace,” according to the FCTA, which described the material as “false, malicious, and destabilizing.”
Previous allegations linked the directive to a memo written by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, Director of School Services at the FCT Secondary Education Board.
School administrators were ordered in an internal document titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due To Security Concerns” to suspend classes and remove kids “in an orderly manner.”
In response to the incident, Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, vehemently denied giving any order regarding a modified school schedule.
Olayinka said in a press release on Tuesday night that no office or level of this government has given an order for early closure.
In response, Wike stated, “Well, you know in the system, sometimes you get baffled.” And for this reason, staying up to date is crucial.
“Last night, while watching television, I came across a school that the FCT had ordered to close. I had to call the Mandate Secretary of Education since I couldn’t believe it. Naturally, he was unable to respond, so I had to find out the specifics.
“I learned that the circular was sent to every school without our consent. Additionally, I am aware that today is the Security Council meeting.
“I made calls to the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities.” “Who did this?” I asked. and they stated, “We don’t have a threat that would force us to close the schools, so it’s not on their agenda and there’s no way.”
As a result, the Mandate Secretary of Education has been placed on indefinite leave, and the directors concerned will face sanctions in accordance with civil service regulations. However, it is inconceivable that anyone could make such a choice without the head of affairs being aware of it. It is terribly regrettable.
How could you have anticipated this kind of action? Even I can’t do that without informing the President, after all. It’s the FCT. What does that say, do you know? that the FCT is insecure.
“Nassarawa, Kogi, and Kaduna have all never closed. So how can you claim that we were in danger? Every effort is made by the security personnel to ensure the safety of the schools. However, we won’t pardon anyone implicated in this.
