LunagisthubNigeria’s Education Crisis: 41 Unity Colleges Shut Down Amid Rising Insecurity
The Nigerian government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges nationwide due to escalating security threats and a surge in attacks on educational institutions. This decision comes after violent incidents in Kebbi and Niger States, where armed men invaded schools, abducted students and staff, and killed at least one official
The Ministry of Education communicated the shutdown through a formal circular, citing the need to prevent security breaches and ensure students’ safety. The affected schools are located across the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions of the country. Principals of the affected schools have been directed to ensure full compliance with the closure order
In one of the latest incidents, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 students and fatally shooting the vice-principal. This incident has heightened nationwide fears and renewed calls for urgent action to safeguard schools. According to security records, over 1,680 schoolchildren were abducted across the country between 2014 and 2022
The government has taken steps to address the security crisis, including deploying security agencies to respond to unfolding threats. President Bola Tinubu has also canceled his planned trips to South Africa and Angola to focus on coordinating the government’s response to the crisis
The closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges is a temporary measure aimed at protecting students and staff from the escalating security threats. The Nigerian government must take concrete steps to address the root causes of insecurity and ensure the safety of educational institutions.
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