Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has suspended the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, following widespread confusion caused by the sudden, unauthorized closure of schools across Abuja on Thursday.
Reports emerged early in the day that several schools—both public and private—had informed parents and guardians of an abrupt shutdown ahead of the official academic schedule. The announcement triggered panic, speculation, and questions about a possible security advisory affecting the nation’s capital.
However, in a swift reaction, Wike dismissed the directive as false, unauthorized, and embarrassing to the FCT Administration. He stated firmly that no official at any level within the Administration approved the closure of schools, calling the move a “clear breach of protocol” and an action capable of causing public anxiety.
Speaking through his office, the minister noted that matters relating to school operations, safety advisories, and academic calendar adjustments follow a strict chain of command, requiring approval from the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and relevant authorities — none of whom sanctioned the closure.
Wike said the administration places utmost priority on the safety and well-being of students, but stressed that such decisions must be properly evaluated and communicated through approved channels.
> “The FCT Administration did not issue any directive for schools to close. This unilateral decision was not taken at any level, and we will not tolerate actions that mislead the public or disrupt the school system,” Wike said.
Following the suspension, an internal investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances that led to the unauthorized announcement, including who drafted, circulated, and implemented the directive.
Parents and school operators have been urged to disregard the earlier message and await an official statement from the Education Secretariat clarifying the approved calendar for the remainder of the term.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked debates within Abuja’s education community, with some stakeholders calling for reforms to ensure clearer communication channels between the Education Secretariat, school heads, and parents.
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