The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has moved quickly to calm rising concerns after an FCT school closure rumour spread across social media on Tuesday, November 25.
The false claim suggested that all government schools in the territory would shut down by November 28, 2025, a report the administration firmly dismissed as untrue.
Moreover, the FCTA described the alleged directive as “false and misleading,” stressing that no such order came from any authorised office.
The controversy triggered immediate action from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who suspended the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo.
Furthermore, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, was directed to begin disciplinary measures against the Director of School Services, Mrs. Aishatu Sani Alhassan.
According to the FCTA, this step was taken to maintain order within the system and prevent further misinformation.
Meanwhile, the suspended Mandate Secretary, Dr. Hayyo, distanced himself from the viral circular.
He expressed shock at the development and insisted the officer who released the letter had no legal authority to issue such a directive.
“Seriously, the way you saw the circular is the same way I saw it. The director who signed the circular had no right to do that,” he said.
He added that only the FCT Minister has the mandate to approve a school closure.
“In the FCT Administration, you can only close schools with the approval of the Honourable Minister of FCT.
I never received any approval from the Minister and there was nothing that warranted closure of schools on or before Friday 28th,” he stated.
In addition, Dr. Hayyo urged parents and students to disregard the message entirely, assuring them that academic activities were running smoothly.
He said, “There is no cause for alarm. All our schools are safe.”
Therefore, the FCTA advised residents to follow the approved academic calendar and ignore the FCT school closure rumour.
The administration reiterated its commitment to stable learning environments and promised stronger security.
