The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding the immediate reopening of public primary schools in Abuja, which have remained closed for over two months.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, NANS condemned what it described as the government’s continued neglect of the educational needs of underprivileged children in the nation’s capital. The association linked the closure to unresolved disputes between the FCT Administration and the Local Government Education Authorities.
“It is deeply troubling that, for more than two months, children in public primary schools across the FCT have been denied access to classrooms,” the statement read. “This prolonged shutdown is a stark display of the government’s insensitivity to the plight of the masses, especially when the children of the elite continue to enjoy uninterrupted learning in expensive private schools.”
NANS revealed that it had sent multiple official correspondences to Minister Wike, appealing for his intervention and requesting a meeting to find lasting solutions. However, none of the letters have been acknowledged, nor has a meeting been granted.
According to the student body, its approach has been guided by constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy. However, the continued silence and inaction from the FCT Minister have left it with no choice but to consider more direct action.
“If the schools are not reopened within the next seven working days, NANS will mobilise thousands of students and education advocates across the country to shut down the operations of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA),” Comrade Oladoja warned.
He further stated that the right to basic education is not up for negotiation and must not be undermined by political or bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“The future of Nigerian children must not be sacrificed on the altar of administrative irresponsibility. Any further delay will compel us to bring the administrative machinery of Abuja to a halt,” the statement concluded.
The ultimatum sets the stage for a potential confrontation between Nigeria’s student body and the FCT Administration if swift action is not taken to reopen the affected schools.
