The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to hold a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Describing the situation as “unacceptable” and a grave injustice to Nigerian children, NANS condemned the prolonged shutdown, which has kept thousands of pupils—especially those from low-income families—out of school for over two months due to unresolved disputes between the FCT Administration and Local Government Education Authorities.
The association had earlier given the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a seven-day ultimatum to reopen the schools. In a statement obtained on Monday and signed by its President, Olushola Oladoja, NANS expressed disappointment that despite several appeals, letters, and calls for dialogue, the government has failed to make any meaningful effort to resolve the crisis.
Oladoja stated, “This unacceptable situation continues to deny thousands of children their fundamental right to basic education. It is evident that the government’s silence is a deliberate act of negligence and disregard for the educational future of the Nigerian child.”
He added that NANS is issuing a final call to action, declaring a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT.
To this end, NANS has directed its structures in the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—to mobilise students, civil society organisations, and education rights advocates for the demonstration.
Oladoja stressed that the protest is not only about education but also a fight for justice, equality, and the nation’s future. “We shall occupy the streets of Abuja until the government listens. No retreat, no surrender!” he declared.
He further directed Zone A and Zone C coordinators to lead and support mobilisation efforts to ensure widespread and impactful participation.
ADEOLA KUNLE
