By Patrick Idowu
The Federal Ministry of Education has ordered the immediate closure of 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country following heightened security concerns in several regions.
The directive, approved by the Minister of Education, was issued in a circular dated November 21 and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir.
Principals of the affected schools have been instructed to suspend academic activities and release students with immediate effect.
The schools affected include FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, and FTC Hadejia.
Others are FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, FTC Zambuk, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji, FTC Ikare Akoko, FTC Ijebu-Imusin, FTC Ushi-Ekiti, and FTC Ogugu.
The ministry said the measure is a precautionary step to safeguard students as security agencies work to stabilise the affected areas.