The rumour had emanated from an online memo purportedly signed by the Director of School Services at the FCT Secondary Education Board, Aishatu Sani Alhassan, allegedly acting on the instruction of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The memo claimed schools were to close early over “security concerns.”
Titled “Urgent Need for Early Closure of Schools Due to Security Concerns,” the circular instructed principals to end academic activities and release students immediately.
However, later on Tuesday, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, issued a counter-statement clarifying that no such directive was issued by the FCTA.
He stated that the approved academic calendar remains unchanged and urged parents, students, and school authorities to disregard the rumour.
“No decision was taken at any level of the FCTA to close schools on November 28. The report is false, misleading, and should be ignored,” the statement read.
Following the controversy, the Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo.
Also, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has been directed to initiate disciplinary action against the Director of School Services, Mrs. Alhassan, in line with civil service rules.
The administration assured residents that security around schools remains intact, noting that Operation Sweep and other security frameworks have been reactivated across the territory.
Before his suspension, Dr. Hayyo told journalists he was unaware of the memo and affirmed that only the FCT Minister has the authority to approve school closures.
“The director who signed that circular had no authority to do so. Parents should disregard it. There is no cause for alarm; our schools are safe,” he said.
The FCTA urged the public to rely strictly on official communication channels to avoid the spread of misinformation.
