The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges following rising security threats across multiple states.
The directive was issued in a circular dated Friday, November 21, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education and approved by the Minister of Education.
According to the document, the shutdown became necessary in view of “recent security challenges” and the urgent need to prevent further breaches in learning institutions.
Principals of all affected Unity Colleges were directed to enforce the closure without delay.
The circular, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Abdulkadir, listed schools across the North-West, North-East, North-Central and parts of the South as affected.
“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. Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance,” the statement read.
Full List of the 41 Unity Schools Ordered to Close:
FGGC Minjibir
FTC Ganduje
FGGC Zaria
FTC Kafanchan
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
FGA Suleja
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 Gashua
FTC Michika
FGC Ganye
FGC Azare
FTC Misau
FGGC Bajoga
FGC Billiri
FTC Zambuk
The federal directive comes as insecurity intensifies across several northern states, prompting emergency measures from both state and federal authorities.
Earlier on Friday, the Katsina State Government ordered the shutdown of all public schools due to similar concerns.
In Niger State, heavily armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an undetermined number of students. Witnesses said the gunmen stormed the school on more than 60 motorcycles and shot the gatekeeper, who survived but sustained serious injuries.
The attack follows several others this week. In Kwara State, bandits abducted at least 30 worshippers from a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku and killed three people. The kidnappers are demanding ₦100 million per victim.
In Kebbi, gunmen kidnapped 26 schoolgirls in Maga community during an early-morning raid on Monday.
Meanwhile, a rumoured school abduction in Nasarawa sparked panic on Friday, but the Nasarawa State Police Command dismissed it as false.
With security concerns mounting, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to coordinate ongoing rescue operations. The President also postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg and Angola.
The wave of school attacks and mass abductions has heightened national anxiety, forcing authorities to adopt emergency measures to protect students across vulnerable regions.
