The Federal Government on Friday directed the immediate shutdown of 41 unity colleges across the country following a renewed wave of student abductions in some regions.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, who signed on behalf of the Minister of Education. She explained that the move was necessary to forestall potential security breaches in the affected schools.

According to the circular, principals of all listed schools have been instructed to comply without delay and ensure the safe evacuation of students. The ministry said the decision was taken after a review of current security intelligence around vulnerable locations.

The schools affected by the closure include FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, and FGC Birnin Yauri.

Others are FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omu-Aran, FTC Gwanara, FGGC Bakori, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji, and FGGC Potiskum.

Additional schools affected include FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, and FTC Zambuk.

A breakdown of the list indicates that most of the institutions are located in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central geopolitical zones—areas that have experienced recurring attacks by armed groups targeting schools.

The decision follows recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger states, where dozens of students were seized by armed men, prompting heightened concerns over school safety and the need for urgent protective measures nationwide.