The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a seven-day ultimatum to reopen all public primary schools in Abuja, which have remained closed for over two months.
NANS warned that if the government fails to act within the specified period, students across the country will mobilize for a peaceful protest that would shut down operations at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
In a statement issued on Tuesday by NANS National President Olushola Oladoja and National PRO Samson Adeyemi, the association described the continued closure of schools as unjust, especially for children from poor backgrounds who rely solely on public education.
“It is disheartening that for over two months, innocent children have been locked out of classrooms in the capital city of Nigeria. This injustice speaks volumes of the government’s insensitivity to the plight of the common man,” the statement read.
The prolonged closure is said to stem from unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and Local Government Education Authorities. According to NANS, several letters had been sent to the minister requesting intervention and dialogue, but none were acknowledged.
“Our approach has always been rooted in responsible engagement and constructive dialogue, but the minister’s silence has left us with no choice but to escalate,” NANS stated.
They emphasized that the right to basic education is non-negotiable and warned that further delay would force them to take action. “Failure to act promptly will force us to bring Abuja’s administrative machinery to a standstill. The future of Nigerian children cannot be sacrificed on the altar of administrative irresponsibility.”
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