Wike suspends Education Secretary over unauthorized school closure directive

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has placed the FCT Mandate Secretary of Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, on indefinite suspension after he issued an unauthorized order to shut down schools across the territory.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Guzape II (A11 District), Abuja, Wike confirmed that other senior officials linked to the misleading directive would also face disciplinary measures.

“I was watching television last night when I saw an announcement that schools in the FCT were being closed. I couldn’t believe it,” Wike said.

Upon investigating, the minister discovered that the circular had been circulated to schools without his authorization.

“I immediately contacted the Commissioner of Police and other relevant authorities to find out who issued it. They confirmed it was not part of any official plan. There was no threat that warranted such a closure,” he explained.

Wike condemned the action, emphasizing that it wrongly suggested a security crisis in the nation’s capital.

“This is the FCT. Such a directive implies there is insecurity here. Yet Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi have never ordered school closures. How could we claim to be under threat?” he questioned.

Assuring residents that schools remain safe, Wike reiterated that sanctions would follow for all responsible officials.

“The Mandate Secretary of Education has been suspended indefinitely. The directors involved will face disciplinary action in line with civil service rules. It is incomprehensible how such a decision could be taken without the knowledge of the head of affairs. It is deeply regrettable,” he stated.

When asked whether the decision was based on a potential security threat, Wike responded: “How can anyone act on anticipation? Even I wouldn’t do that without informing the President. We will not tolerate this kind of irresponsibility.”

Earlier, Wike highlighted his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects, especially ongoing infrastructure in Guzape and Maitama II districts.

“It is unfortunate, but most of the projects you see us executing were awarded years before our administration began in 2023,” Wike said.

He noted that the Guzape A11 project, stalled for six years due to lack of funding, and the Maitama II project, awarded over a decade ago, had left residents without access to their properties.

“To encourage development and improve access, we have taken it upon ourselves to complete these critical infrastructure projects, even though they were not initiated by our administration,” he added.