The Federal Government has dismissed circulating reports alleging that it ordered the shutdown of all schools across Nigeria due to rising insecurity. The Ministry of Education described the claims as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among citizens.
Rising Insecurity Heightens Public Anxiety
Over recent weeks, our nation, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing resurgence in mass abductions of schoolchildren, especially across the north-west and north-central regions. Two major incidents recorded last week reignited national concern regarding student safety and government response.
In reaction to these targeted attacks, the Federal Government approved the temporary closure of 44 Unity Colleges considered vulnerable to security breaches. Similarly, the Niger State Government directed the closure of all primary and secondary schools as part of its precautionary security measures.
These developments, though region-specific, created a climate of fear that paved the way for misinformation to spread rapidly.
Viral Message Sparks Confusion
A message began circulating on social media claiming that all schools nationwide would be shut from November 24, 2025. The rumor quickly gained traction among parents, teachers, and students already anxious about the rising insecurity.
However, the Federal Government has made it clear that no such nationwide directive exists.
FG: Reports Are “False and Misleading”
In a formal statement, Boriowo Folasade, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, refuted the claims, emphasizing that the viral announcement did not emanate from the Federal Government, the Ministry of Education, any state ministry, or any recognized security agency.
“The Federal Ministry of Education hereby informs the general public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognised security agency,” the statement said.
Folasade further stressed that the information in circulation was both unofficial and unverified, warning the public against giving credence to such messages.
Government Urges Public to Rely on Verified Channels
The Ministry cautioned Nigerians to depend solely on authenticated information disseminated through official government communication channels. It listed the following as the only legitimate sources for school-related directives:
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The Federal Ministry of Education
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State Governments
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State Ministries of Education
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Recognized security agencies
The statement also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from spreading unverified messages that could worsen public tension.
“Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation.”
Conclusion
While isolated school closures remain part of targeted security interventions, the President Tinubu-led Federal Government has not—and says it will not without proper communication—order a blanket nationwide closure of schools. Citizens are urged to remain calm and follow updates only through credible, official channels to avoid falling victim to misinformation.
