FG Closes 41–47 Federal Unity Secondary Schools Nationwide Over Insecurity

FG closes 41–47 federal unity secondary schools November 21 2025 over insecurity: Full list, reasons (Kebbi/Niger abductions), state closures & parent guide—latest updates.

On November 21, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education issued an urgent circular ordering the immediate closure of 41–47 Federal Unity Colleges (secondary schools) across Nigeria's North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions amid escalating banditry and mass abductions. This preventive measure follows devastating attacks in Kebbi and Niger States, marking the largest single federal school shutdown since the 2021 Kaduna crisis. Parents, educators, and citizens now scramble for answers as FG closes secondary schools in vulnerable areas—not nationwide, but targeting high-risk federal institutions.

This comprehensive guide clarifies the directive, lists affected schools, explains the security context, and outlines impacts on students and families as of November 22, 2025.

Official Announcement: What the Federal Government Said

The circular, dated November 21, 2025, and signed by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir (Director, Senior Secondary Education) on behalf of Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, states:

“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 with immediate effect. Principals are to ensure strict compliance.”

Reports vary on the exact number (41–47) due to updates and attachments. The closure is temporary and precautionary—no nationwide shutdown of all secondary schools, contrary to some viral claims.

Read the full circular via Channels Television or Vanguard.

Full List of Affected Federal Unity Colleges (41–47 as Reported November 21–22, 2025)

The attached schedule includes mainly boarding schools in high-risk zones:

1. FGGC Minjibir (Kano)
2. FTC Ganduje (Kano)
3. FGGC Zaria (Kaduna)
4. FTC Kafanchan (Kaduna)
5. FGGC Bakori (Katsina)
6. FTC Dayi (Bauchi)
7. FGC Daura (Katsina)
8. FGGC Tambuwal (Sokoto)
9. FSC Sokoto
10. FTC Wurno (Sokoto)
11. FGC Gusau (Zamfara)
12. FGC Anka (Zamfara)
13. FGGC Gwandu (Kebbi)
14. FGC Birnin Yauri (Kebbi)
15. FTC Zuru (Kebbi)
16. FGGC Kazaure (Jigawa)
17. FGC Kiyawa (Jigawa)
18. FTC Hadejia (Jigawa)
19. FGC Buni Yadi (Yobe)
20. FTC Gashua (Yobe)
21. FTC Michika (Adamawa)
22. FGC Ganye (Adamawa)
23. FGC Azare (Bauchi)
24. FTC Misau (Bauchi)
25. FGGC Bajoga (Gombe)
26. FGC Billiri (Gombe)
27. FTC Zambuk (Gombe)
28. FGGC Bida (Niger)
29. FGC New Bussa (Niger)
30. FTC Kuta-Shiroro (Niger)
31. FGA Suleja (Niger)
32. FGGC Rubochi (FCT)
33. FGC Ilorin (Kwara) ...and additional schools in Plateau, Taraba, Benue border areas (full 47 in some reports).

Most are in North-West/North-East; a few North-Central/FCT.

Compiled from PRNigeria and TheWill.

Why FG Closed These Secondary Schools: The Security Triggers

The decision followed rapid escalation:

• November 17–18: 25 girls abducted in Kebbi State.
• November 21 (early hours): 50–200+ students abducted from St. Mary's School, Agwara, Niger State.
• Intelligence reports of planned attacks on federal schools.
• Prior ignored warnings (e.g., St. Mary's defied closure order).

President Tinubu cancelled international trips to monitor rescues.

Context from Reuters.

State-Level Closures: Beyond Federal Unity Schools

Several states took similar action:

• Katsina: All public schools closed indefinitely.
• Plateau: All basic/secondary schools closed from November 22–24.
• Kwara: Over 50 schools in five LGAs shut.
• Taraba: Revert to day schooling (no boarding).

No southern states affected yet.

Impact on Students, Parents, and Education Sector

Immediate effects:

• Millions of students sent home abruptly.
• Ongoing exams postponed.
• Boarding students stranded without transport in some cases.
• Parents anxious—many rushing to collect children.

Long-term concerns:

• Learning disruption.
• Mental health trauma.
• Calls for Safe Schools Initiative revival.

What Parents and Students Should Do Next

• Collect children immediately if boarding.
• Monitor official channels (school principals, state ministry).
• Continue learning at home via radio/TV programs.
• Report suspicious activity to 112.
• Rescue operations ongoing—stay hopeful.

The November 21, 2025, directive as FG closes secondary schools (specifically 41–47 federal unity colleges) is a heartbreaking but necessary response to Nigeria's worsening school abduction crisis. While not nationwide, it affects thousands and highlights urgent needs for better security.

What's your view—preventive wisdom or overreaction? Share experiences (respectfully) in comments. Forward to affected families and subscribe for rescue updates. Together, demand #SafeSchoolsNow—our children deserve better!