NANS to FCT Minister: Reopen schools now or face students’ wrath Wednesday

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced it will stage a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement signed by its president, Olushola Oladoja, on Monday, NANS expressed serious displeasure at the closures that have lasted over two months, depriving thousands of children, particularly those from poor families, of access to basic education.

Last week, NANS gave the FCT Administration, headed by Minister Nyesom Wike, a seven-day ultimatum to reopen the schools or face protests across the country.

“It is very clear that the government’s silence is an act of negligence and apathy towards the educational destiny of the Nigerian child,” said Oladoja, describing the closure as unacceptable.

He added that despite repeated appeals and calls for dialogue, authorities had made no effort to resolve the deadlock or reopen the affected schools.

In response, NANS announced a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT.

Protesters are expected to converge at the FCDA Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, by 7:00 am on Wednesday, dressed in black to symbolise mourning for what they described as the “death of basic education” in the country.

“All NANS structures across the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—are by this notice directed to commence full mobilisation of students, civil society allies, and education rights activists for this mass action,” Oladoja added.

Zone A and Zone C leaderships have been tasked with coordinating participation to ensure a widespread and impactful turnout.

“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future,” the NANS president emphasised.