The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed reports circulating on social media and some broadcast platforms claiming that government schools in the FCT were directed to close by November 28, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, described the rumour as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
Following the controversy triggered by the unauthorised circular, Minister Wike ordered the suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo. The Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has also been directed to discipline the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan, in line with civil service rules.
Olayinka stressed that no such decision to close schools was taken at any level of the administration and urged parents, students, and school authorities to disregard the report. He reaffirmed that the approved academic calendar remains unchanged.
The administration further assured residents of adequate security across schools, noting that the Minister has ordered the resumption of Operation Sweep and other security measures to reinforce safety in the FCT.
Responding to journalists, the suspended Mandate Secretary, Hayyo, distanced himself from the circular, insisting it was issued without his knowledge or authorisation. “Seriously, the way you saw the circular is the same way I saw it. I believe it is a wrong circular because the director who signed it has no right to do that,” he said.
Read Also:
FCTA Begins Construction of Outer Southern Expressway to Ease Traffic in Abuja
He clarified that only the FCT Minister has the authority to approve the closure of schools, adding that no such directive was issued. “I never received any approval from the Honourable Minister. There is nothing that warrants the closure of schools on or before Friday, 28th. The circular has no merit, no credibility,” he stated.
Hayyo urged parents to ignore the misinformation, emphasising that teaching and learning activities were ongoing without disruption. He dismissed claims of insecurity or administrative crisis, reiterating that “there is no cause for alarm. FCT is safe, all our schools are safe.”
The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining stability within the education sector and noted that disciplinary actions were being taken to address procedural breaches and restore public confidence. The administration advised residents to rely on official communication channels to avoid misinformation.
We need to take decisive step in ensuring safety rather than politicising the matter. Good moves does not potray weakness at all.