By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the circulation of an unauthorised memo directing schools in the FCT to close, describing the development as an avoidable and serious breach of procedure.
Speaking after inspecting the ongoing construction of Road N11 in Guzape, Wike said he was taken by surprise when he saw a television news scroll suggesting that the FCT Administration had ordered school closures. He explained that such a directive could not have come from him without the President’s approval.
“I was watching television last night when I saw a scroll claiming FCT had ordered schools to close. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the SSS, who confirmed it was not on the agenda,” he said.
“There is absolutely no threat that justifies shutting down schools,” he added.
Wike stated that he spoke with the Mandate Secretary for Education, who also had no knowledge of the circular and was surprised that anyone would take such a decision “in anticipation”.
“I learnt that a circular was distributed to all schools without our approval. It is inconceivable that such a decision was made without the knowledge of the head of the FCT. It is very unfortunate.
“How could such an action be taken prematurely? I myself cannot do that without notifying the President. This is the FCT — what does it suggest if there is insecurity here?
“Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have never closed schools due to threats, so how can anyone say we did?” he questioned.
Wike assured parents and school authorities that there is no security threat warranting a shutdown and said security agencies are actively working to maintain safety across all schools. He also promised that every official involved in issuing the unauthorised memo will be held accountable.