Heads Will Roll: No Threat Warranting School Closure In FCT – Wike

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Dr. Nyesom Wike, says “heads will roll” over the unauthorized directive ordering the closure of schools in the nation’s capital, insisting that there is no security threat to justify such an action.

Speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing project in Guzape II District, Wike expressed deep shock over the notice allegedly issued by officials of the FCTA Education Secretariat.

Wike who noted that the matter had already led to the indefinite suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, he recounted how he first heard of the decision, describing it as unfortunate.

“You can imagine how people will make such decision without the head of the place knowing. It’s unfortunate… “Heads have to roll. We will not forgive anybody who is involved in this.

“I was watching the television last night, and I saw a news scroll that FCTA has directed that schools should be shut down, and I couldn’t believe it. I had to call the Mandate Secretary of Education, and of course, he couldn’t reply…I even got to know that a circular was issued to all the schools without our approval.” Wike said.

The Minister stressed that security agencies provided no intelligence indicating a credible threat in the FCT.

He warned that such unilateral decisions portray the capital as unsafe, especially when neighboring states like Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have not shut down their schools.

Wike dismissed claims that the school closure was a precautionary move, insisting he would never approve such a sensitive decision without briefing the President. He also confirmed that the Directors involved will face sanctions in line with Civil Service rules.

Earlier during the visit to Guzape II District (Cadastral Zone A11), Wike reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to completing inherited infrastructural projects to accelerate urban expansion.

He noted that many of the projects currently being executed were awarded years before the present administration took office.

“Most of the jobs you see us doing are jobs that have been awarded years back before the inception of this administration in 2023. The government thought it fit in order to expand Abuja and create more cities,” he explained.

The Guzape II project, awarded six years ago but hindered by inadequate funding, is now receiving renewed attention to ensure that plot owners can finally begin development.

Wike also disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the long-delayed Maitama II infrastructural project, which had previously left property owners stranded without access to their land.

He assured residents that any existing structures affected by ongoing development will be duly compensated and relocated in accordance with FCTA policies.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji