The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm warning to officials involved in the unauthorized closure of schools within the FCT, declaring that anyone found responsible will face strict disciplinary action in line with civil service regulations.
The Minister made this known to journalists on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, following an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure development in the Guzape II District of Abuja.
Expressing surprise over a circulation that ordered the closure of schools across the FCT, Barr. Wike described the development as unacceptable and a clear abuse of authority. He revealed that he became aware of the announcement while watching a television news broadcast and immediately sought clarification from senior officials.
According to the Minister, the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, has already been placed on an indefinite suspension as part of investigations into how such a sensitive directive was issued without official approval.
“I saw the news ticker about school closure and I couldn’t believe it. I tried calling the Mandate Secretary, but there was no response. Later, I discovered that a circular had already been issued to schools — without authorization,” Wike said.
He stressed that no individual or department had the authority to make such a decision independently, describing the action as reckless and capable of causing public panic.
Barr. Wike further explained that security agencies were actively working to ensure safety across the territory and questioned why school closures would be ordered when there was no security directive to that effect.
“This is deeply unfortunate. We cannot tolerate this kind of administrative irresponsibility. Heads will roll, and we will not protect anyone who abused their office,” he declared.
The FCT Minister dismissed claims that the action was taken as a precautionary measure, insisting that even he would not make such a decision without clearing it with the Presidency.
As investigations continue, the Minister confirmed that affected directors and officials will be dealt with according to civil service rules once culpability is established.
Beyond the school closure controversy, Barr. Wike also used the opportunity to assess the pace of infrastructure work in the Guzape II District (Cadastral Zone A11). He reaffirmed the Administration’s determination to complete abandoned projects aimed at expanding Abuja and opening new districts for development.
He disclosed that many of the ongoing projects were inherited and had been stalled for several years due to funding challenges, including the Guzape II project, which was awarded more than six years ago.
“These projects were initiated long before this administration. We are completing them to allow landowners to finally develop their plots,” he said.
The Minister further announced that the Federal Executive Council has approved contracts for infrastructure delivery in Maitama II, another long-abandoned district that left property owners without access to their land.
Barr. Wike assured residents that any structures affected by construction activities would be properly evaluated, and lawful compensation would be paid, while displaced residents would be relocated in line with FCT policies.
He reaffirmed the Administration’s resolve to deliver a safer, better-planned, and fully functional capital city for all residents.
