‘We Will Not Forgive Anyone Involved’ – Wike Reacts to Directive on Closure of FCT Schools

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), issued a severe warning on Wednesday, stating that the directors responsible for the contentious school closure document will “not be spared” and that retribution is unavoidable.

During an infrastructure inspection at A11 in Guzape, Abuja, the minister spoke to reporters and expressed fury, calling the action “unimaginable” and a flagrant act of disobedience.

It is unthinkable, according to Wike, that a director would wake up and send out a note to close schools without permission.

He emphasized that such actions weaken government systems and questioned the boldness of subordinate officials making significant choices without higher authority’s or the presidency’s approval.

The minister further emphasized that before any significant action impacting the country’s capital is carried out, the President must be briefed.

Wike completely rejected the premise of the document, arguing that there is now no security problem in Abuja that warrants closing schools.

Remember that on Tuesday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) denied rumors that government schools would close earlier than November 28, 2025.

Reports were “capable of inciting fear and disrupting public peace,” according to the FCTA, which also described the material as “false, malicious, and destabilizing.”

Previous allegations linked the directive to a memo written by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, the Director of School Services of the FCT Secondary Education Board.

School administrators were ordered in an internal document titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due To Security Concerns” to terminate classes and remove pupils “in an orderly manner.”

In response to the event, Lere Olayinka, the minister’s senior special assistant for public communications, vehemently denied giving any order regarding a modified school schedule.

Olayinka said in a press release on Tuesday night that no office or level of this government has given a direction for early closure.

with response, Wike remarked, “Well, you know in the system, sometimes you get baffled.” And for that reason, staying up to date is crucial.

“Last night, while watching TV, I noticed a school that the FCT had ordered to close. I had to call the Mandate Secretary of Education since I couldn’t believe it. Naturally, he couldn’t respond, so I had to find out the specifics.

“I learned that the circular was distributed to every school without our consent. Additionally, I am aware that today is a Security Council meeting.

“I made calls to the Commissioner of Police and other relevant agencies. Who did this, I asked? and they replied, “We don’t have a threat that would force us to close the schools, so it’s not on their agenda and there’s no way.”

As a result, the Mandate Secretary of Education has been placed on indefinite leave, and the directors concerned will face consequences in accordance with civil service regulations. However, it is inconceivable that someone could make such a choice without the head of affairs being aware of it. It is really regrettable.

“How could you have anticipated this kind of action? Even I am unable to do that without informing the President. The FCT is this. What does that tell you? that the FCT is unstable.

“Kogi, Nassarawa, and Kaduna have all never closed. How can you claim that we were in danger? The security personnel make every effort to ensure the safety of the schools. However, we won’t pardon anyone connected to this.