The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed widespread reports alleging that all government schools in the territory were directed to shut down by Thursday, November 28, 2025.
The administration described the claim, which circulated across social media and some broadcast platforms, as “false, misleading, and completely unauthorized.”
In a statement issued last ,Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, clarified that no such decision was taken by the Minister or any official arm of the administration.
Consequently, the Minister of the FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, over the controversy arising from the circulation of the unauthorized directive.
In addition, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has been directed to commence disciplinary action against the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan, in line with extant civil service regulations.
The false report emerged at a time when several states in northern Nigeria had shut schools following renewed incidents of student abductions.
The FCTA, however, assured that the academic calendar in the capital city remained intact.
Olayinka urged parents, students, and school administrators to disregard the rumour and continue with academic activities as scheduled. He noted that the administration has intensified security across the territory, with the Minister directing the immediate resumption of Operation Sweep and other security measures to guarantee the safety of schools and residents.
Speaking during a media interface on Tuesday, the suspended Mandate Secretary, Dr. Hayyo, denied issuing or authorizing any directive for school closure.
“Seriously, the way you saw the circular is the same way I saw it,” he said.
“The director who signed the circular had no right to do that. In the FCT Administration, schools can only be closed with the approval of the Honourable Minister.
I never received such approval, and there was no situation that warranted a shutdown.”
He appealed to parents and guardians to remain calm, assuring that teaching and learning activities across FCT schools were ongoing without interruption.
