The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding the immediate reopening of public primary schools in Abuja, which have been shut for over two months.

 

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, the student body expressed grave concern over the prolonged closure, attributing it to unresolved disagreements between the FCT Administration and the Local Government Education Authorities.

 

NANS condemned the impact of the closure on children from underprivileged backgrounds, noting that while they are denied access to education, children of the wealthy continue learning in private schools without disruption.

 

“It is disheartening that for over two months, innocent children have been locked out of classrooms in Nigeria’s capital city,” the statement read. “This injustice reflects the government’s disregard for the struggles of ordinary citizens.”

 

 

 

The association revealed that it had sent multiple letters to Minister Wike, requesting intervention and proposing dialogue to resolve the impasse. However, none of the communications were acknowledged, and no meeting was granted.

 

NANS emphasized that it had pursued peaceful and responsible dialogue, but the minister’s continued silence had left the group with no choice but to escalate.

 

“If the schools are not reopened within the next seven working days, NANS will mobilize thousands of students and education advocates for a mass protest and a complete shutdown of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA),” Comrade Oladoja warned.

 

 

 

The association reiterated that basic education is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and any attempt to suppress it under the guise of politics or bureaucracy would be strongly resisted.

 

“We will not allow the future of Nigerian children to be sacrificed on the altar of administrative negligence. The time to act is now,” the statement concluded.