The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has denied reports that all government schools in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) were to close by 28 November 2025. The administration described the alleged directive as a “false and misleading” memo and confirmed that no decision to shut down schools was taken at any level.
A circular — titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due To Security Concerns” — was circulated, instructing all public senior secondary schools to end academic activities and dismiss students by 28 November. The memo was signed by the Director of School Services, Aishatu Sani Alhassan.
The memo triggered widespread alarm among parents, students, and school staffs.
FCTA’s response & disciplinary action
In a statement, the FCTA — through the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka — dismissed the circular as fake, urging the public to disregard it, reiterating that the approved academic calendar remains unchanged.
As a result of the controversy, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, ordered the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, who has said he did not see the memo and did not authorise it.
Additionally, the Acting Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, was directed to discipline Aishatu Sani Alhassan in line with civil-service rules.
The FCTA reiterated that teaching and learning activities will continue as normal. No official order has been issued to close any school.
The administration also assured residents — especially students — of ongoing security measures. The Minister directed the resumption of Operation Sweep and other security initiatives to bolster safety in schools and communities across the FCT.
However, because the “viral circular” was widely shared via unofficial channels (social media, broadcast platforms) — rather than via official FCTA communication outlets — it remains unclear how the memo leaked, or whether it was a deliberate sabotage, internal mischief, or administrative error. No public account (so far) explains the motive behind the unauthorised circular.
