The National Association of Nigerian Students has given the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a seven-day deadline to reopen public primary schools in Abuja.
The student body is demanding an immediate end to the school closures, which have lasted for more than two months.
The group warned that if their demand is not met, it would lead to large-scale demonstrations and the complete shutdown of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) offices.
According to NANS, the ongoing shutdown of government-run primary schools in the FCT is affecting many young pupils, especially children from poor families who rely on public education.
The schools were initially closed due to unresolved disputes between the FCT Administration and the Local Government Education Authorities, and no resolution has been reached since.
In a statement released on Tuesday, signed by NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, and National PRO, Samson Adeyemi, the student group noted that the government’s failure to resolve the crisis shows a lack of concern for ordinary citizens.
“It is disheartening that for over two months, innocent children have been locked out of classrooms in the capital city of Nigeria. This injustice speaks volumes of the government’s insensitivity to the plight of the common man,” the statement read.
NANS said it had earlier sent multiple letters to the Minister, asking for his help and seeking an official meeting to talk about the issue. They noted that none of their letters had been replied to, and no effort had been made by the Minister to meet with them.
The group added that it had tried to settle the issue through peaceful and mature dialogue but had received no response. As a result, it now feels forced to take stronger action to make its voice heard.
“Our approach has always been rooted in responsible engagement and constructive dialogue, but the minister’s silence has left us with no choice but to escalate,” NANS stated.
If the government continues to ignore their concerns beyond the seven-day window, NANS warned that it would gather students and education rights groups from all parts of Nigeria to begin a peaceful but complete shutdown of the FCDA.
“The right to basic education is non-negotiable, and any attempt to suppress it under political or bureaucratic excuses will be met with legitimate resistance,” they added.
“Failure to act promptly will force us to bring Abuja’s administrative machinery to a standstill. The future of Nigerian children cannot be sacrificed on the altar of administrative irresponsibility,” the statement said.
