NANS Declares Nationwide Protest Over Closure Of FCT Primary Schools

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, over the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement released Monday and signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, the association expressed deep frustration over the school closures, which have persisted for more than two months, depriving thousands of children—especially those from low-income families—of access to basic education.

Last week, NANS issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, demanding the reopening of the schools or risk nationwide demonstrations.

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

He noted that despite repeated appeals for dialogue, the government had made no meaningful effort to resolve the impasse or reopen the affected schools.

As a result, NANS said protesters would gather at the FCDA Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, by 7:00 am on Wednesday. Protesters are expected to wear black attire in mourning of what the association called the “death of basic education” in Nigeria.

All NANS chapters in the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—have been directed to fully mobilise students, civil society groups, and education rights activists for the protest. The Zone A and Zone C leaderships have been tasked with coordinating turnout for maximum impact.

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