Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has suspended Danlami Hayyo, the mandate secretary for education, after an unauthorised memo directing public schools in Abuja to shut down on November 28 triggered widespread alarm.
The memo, signed by Aishatu Sani Alhassan, director of school services, instructed principals of senior secondary schools to end academic activities immediately, citing vague “security concerns.” It quickly circulated online, causing confusion among parents and school authorities.
FCT Administration disowns directive
Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications to the minister, said the FCT Administration did not approve any early closure of schools, describing the viral memo as “false, misleading, and completely unauthorised.”
He stressed that no meeting or decision at any level of government sanctioned the directive.
According to Olayinka, Wike also ordered the acting head of service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, to commence disciplinary procedures against Alhassan for issuing the memo without approval.
Academic calendar remains unchanged
The administration urged parents, students and staff to ignore the notice, confirming that the official school calendar remains fully in force.
It also assured residents that security agencies have been mobilised to maintain safety across the territory.
Olayinka added that Wike has directed the reinstatement of Operation Sweep and other security interventions to further protect schools and communities, emphasising that the FCT remains safe for teaching and learning.
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