By Oso Abidemi
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has refuted claims of religious indoctrination in its schools, describing a viral voice note circulating in Hausa as false, misleading, and capable of inciting religious tension.
The voice note, which alleged that students in certain schools were being coerced into accepting a particular religion, named institutions such as GSS Mararaba, GSS Bakin Ado, GJSS Kurunduma, and Aunty Alice School as culprits.
However, in a statement issued on Friday by Kabiru Musa, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Education Secretariat, the FCTA clarified that none of the schools mentioned are located within the Federal Capital Territory.
“Investigations revealed that the schools are situated in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, roughly 20 to 25 kilometers from Abuja city centre,” the statement read.
The Secretariat emphasized that all public schools within the FCT are strictly secular, where students of all faiths; Christianity, Islam, and others peacefully coexist.
“We remain committed to providing a conducive learning environment that respects the religious freedom and rights of every child,” the statement added, noting that all school personnel adhere to professional ethics in the discharge of their duties.
The Education Secretariat also highlighted ongoing efforts by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to transform the education sector through massive renovations and modern infrastructure upgrades.
Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, was commended for introducing a robust monitoring framework to ensure discipline, academic excellence, and inclusiveness across all schools in the territory.
The FCTA warned against the spread of falsehoods designed to disrupt social harmony and incite division among residents, vowing to explore legal actions against perpetrators of the viral voice note.
It urged the public and media professionals to rely on verified, official sources when seeking information about education policies and developments in the territory.
“Our focus remains on raising responsible and law-abiding citizens, not religious extremism,” the statement concluded.
