The National Association of Nigerian Students has announced plans to stage a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory.
The student body described the situation as “unacceptable” and a grave injustice to the Nigerian child.
The association had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reopen public primary schools in Abuja, following the continued closure of schools for over two months, due to unresolved issues between the FCT Administration and the Local Government Education Authorities.
In a notice obtained by our correspondent on Monday and signed by its President, Olushola Oladoja, the association expressed deep concern that thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, have been denied access to basic education for over two months due to the shutdown.
Despite repeated appeals, letters, and calls for dialogue with the relevant authorities, NANS president said no tangible effort has been made to resolve the crisis or reopen the affected schools.
He said, “The National Association of Nigerian Students expresses deep concern over the persistent closure of public primary schools within the Federal Capital Territory, which has lasted for over two months.
“This unacceptable situation continues to deny thousands of children—particularly those from low-income families—their fundamental right to basic education.
“Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities, no meaningful steps have been taken to resolve the impasse or reopen the affected schools.
“It is evident that the government’s silence is a deliberate act of negligence and disregard for the
educational future of the Nigerian child. In response, the national leadership of NANS hereby issues a final call to action and announces a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT.”
As a result, he said NANS has declared a final call to action, urging its structures in the FCT and neighbouring states Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna to immediately begin mobilising students, civil society organisations, and education rights advocates for the demonstration.
Oladoja said the protest is not just about education, but a broader fight for justice, equality, and the future of the nation.
“We shall occupy the streets of Abuja until the government listens. No retreat, no surrender!
“Zone A and Zone C coordinators have been directed to lead and support mobilisation efforts to ensure what the union described as ‘widespread and impactful participation,” he added.
