Abuja
Abuja: Schools Rush Exams Amid Parents’ Growing Fears Over Insecurity
Abuja: Schools Rush Exams Amid Parents’ Growing Fears Over Insecurity
Abuja: Schools rush exams amid parents’ growing fears over insecurity. Schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have hurriedly concluded their end-of-term examinations as rising insecurity fuels anxiety among parents, teachers, and administrators.
Over the past few weeks, several schools, both public and private have quietly revised their academic calendars, compressing examination schedules to allow children to go home earlier than planned.
What would typically span full weeks has been forced into a few intense days marked by tension and uncertainty, media has gathered.
Across districts such as Garki, Lugbe and Kubwa, teachers confirmed that examinations were fast-tracked in response to what many described as a climate of fear heightened by recent security incidents in neighbouring states.
Parents, increasingly alarmed by reports of kidnappings and attacks, have been pressing schools to shorten the term and release children ahead of time.
Teachers who spoke in an interview with media said the pressure to conclude examinations and close the term early swiftly created a tense but manageable environment over fear of the unknown.
Many had to administer multiple papers within short intervals, sometimes on the same day, to meet the adjusted deadlines.
Lessons that had been carefully planned for assessments were condensed, raising concerns among education stakeholders about the impact on learning outcomes.
However, most stakeholders concede that safety remains the priority, arguing that academic quality, can be revisited lives cannot be replaced.
The situation was further complicated on 7 December 2025, when a memo began circulating on social media claiming that several schools in Abuja, public and private, had been ordered to shut down immediately for “non-compliance” with unspecified directives.
The memo, which spread rapidly among parents’ WhatsApp groups, intensified panic as many rushed to pick up their children even before schools issued official communication.
By evening, the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) and other relevant agencies released clarifications, but these only added to the confusion.
While some officials insisted that no blanket order for immediate closure had been issued, others suggested that a few schools violating operational guidelines had indeed been instructed to shut their doors temporarily.
The conflicting statements frustrated parents, many of whom criticised authorities for fueling fear through poor communication.
This heightened tension comes barely a month after the widely reported abduction of schoolchildren from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
In what has been described as one of the largest school kidnappings in recent Nigerian history, dozens of pupils and some teachers were taken by armed men, drawing global condemnation and renewed questions about the country’s security architecture.
Although security agencies recently rescued 100 of the abducted children, bringing relief to many families, the situation remains dire as dozens of other children and educators are still believed to be in captivity.
The partial release has done little to calm the nerves of parents in the FCT, who fear that similar incidents could be replicated closer to home. For many, the Papiri incident is a grim reminder of the vulnerability of school communities in the face of rising banditry and violent crime.
FCT, Abuja
Compounding the concerns is the prolonged closure of about 41 Federal Unity Colleges across the country. These schools, initially shut for security reasons, have yet to reopen, disrupting their academic calendar and causing parents to question why the government has not hastened efforts to restore safe learning conditions.
The extended closure has widened the academic gap between Unity Colleges and other institutions that are still struggling to complete their terms, albeit under pressure.
Speaking on the situation, an Abuja-based private school teacher, Mr Isaac Moji, said his school completed examinations the previous week and is preparing to vacate earlier than scheduled.
“Our school finished examinations last week, and we are due to go on vacation this week. Although nothing has been officially communicated, most of the schools in the FCT are rushing to close because of fear of the unknown,” he said.
Mr Moji, who is also a parent, noted that the school his children attend in Nyanya had already closed earlier than expected.
“In Nyanya where my children are schooling, they vacated since last week. Many parents are uncomfortable, and schools don’t want to take chances. We just hope the government restores confidence before schools resume in 2026.”
Wike Tells FCT Residents In Eid-el-Fitr Message, Says “Remain Peaceful Throughout The Year”
Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged residents of Abuja to sustain the values of compassion, forgiveness and unity imbibed during Ramadan as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.
In his 2026 Eid message to residents, Wike described the fasting period as one marked by spiritual renewal and reflection, calling on residents not to abandon its lessons.
“As we celebrate Eid Fitr – the culmination of the Ramadan fast, I urge you all to carry forward the values of compassion, forgiveness, and unity that Ramadan embodies,” he said.
He congratulated Muslim faithful in the FCT on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, noting that the period had fostered stronger bonds among residents.
The minister also commended the spirit of generosity and coexistence demonstrated across religious lines during the holy month.
“Within the FCT, it is reassuring to see Muslims sharing and caring for fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike in the last 30 days,” he said.
“Individuals and corporate organisations have, by their conduct during this holy month, demonstrated their commitment and cooperation towards maintaining Abuja’s pride of place as the Centre of Unity, Peace and Harmony in Nigeria.”
Wike implored residents to pray for Nigeria’s leaders and the country’s continued peace and development.
“This occasion also offers us a unique opportunity to pray for our leaders, and indeed, our country Nigeria, that we may continue to enjoy peace and progress,” he said.
Looking ahead to political activities in the country, he urged residents to remain peaceful regardless of affiliations.
“I urge all residents regardless of political affiliation, gender or tribe to take a cue from the Muslim Ummah, and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the year while praying for the FCT, and the nation as a whole at this period,” he added.
Wike
“The security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that residents celebrate and enjoy the occasion in peace, tranquility and orderliness.”
Wike reaffirmed the FCT administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while continuing efforts to develop Abuja into a world-class city.
Adwa Victory At 130: Ethiopia Marks Historic Triumph And Women’s Day In Abuja
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Abuja hosted a colourful celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026, to mark the 130th Anniversary of the Victory of Adwa alongside International Women’s Day.
The event, held under the themes “Adwa 130: From a Dark History to a Bright Horizon!” and “50 Years of Women’s Voice for Equality and Prosperity,” brought together Ethiopians living in Nigeria, people of Ethiopian origin, and Nigerian friends of Ethiopia.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to Nigeria, H.E. Legesse Geremew Haile, described the Victory of Adwa as a historic milestone achieved through the collective sacrifice, unity, and determination of the Ethiopian people.
He emphasized that women played a crucial role in securing the historic victory over Italian forces in 1896, noting that their contributions remain a strong symbol of courage and patriotism.
The Ambassador also highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in promoting gender equality, stating that women are increasingly occupying leadership positions in government, parliament, and the cabinet at both federal and regional levels.
Encouraging the younger generation to uphold the “Spirit of Adwa,” Ambassador Legesse urged Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora to contribute actively to the country’s ongoing development efforts.
He outlined several key national initiatives, including modernizing the agricultural sector, where Ethiopia has recently emerged as Africa’s largest wheat producer, expanding industrial capacity through the “Ethiopia Tamirt” (Produce in Ethiopia) initiative, promoting tourism through the Gebeta projects, and advancing digital transformation through artificial intelligence to improve service delivery.
The Ambassador also addressed Ethiopia’s strategic economic goals, calling for unified support for the country’s pursuit of peaceful access to the sea, describing it as a vital national interest for a nation of over 130 million people with a rapidly growing economy.
According to him, Ethiopia remains committed to achieving this objective through peaceful and mutually beneficial diplomatic engagement.
Reaffirming the country’s long-term development vision, Ambassador Legesse said Ethiopia aims to become one of Africa’s five largest economies by 2035 and among the world’s top 20 economies by 2050. He therefore called on the Ethiopian diaspora to actively participate in the nation’s development initiatives and major projects.
The celebration also featured a presentation titled “The Trust of Adwa: Unity, Sovereignty, and Reconstruction,” which highlighted the historic significance of the Battle of Adwa fought on March 1, 1896. The presentation underscored how Ethiopia’s victory over the Italian army became a powerful symbol of African resistance, inspiring Pan-Africanism and anti-colonial movements across the continent and the diaspora.
Participants at the event described Adwa as a shared African victory, stressing that its legacy should continue to inspire present and future generations to work towards rebuilding their nations and strengthening the continent.
The programme was further enriched with patriotic poetry and educational video presentations performed by young children.
The ceremony began with the Ethiopian National Anthem and concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and reception attended by guests and members of the Ethiopian community in Nigeria.
Abuja: Fire Guts Section Of Federal Secretariat
Abuja: Fire guts section of federal secretariat. There was panic at the federal secretariat in Abuja on Monday morning after a section of the office of the head of service of the federation caught fire.
Eyewitnesses said the fire was first noticed at about 8:20am. Social media footage showed plumes of black smoke billowing from the affected section of the building.
The incident occurred at Section C of the building within the federal secretariat complex.
Staff members were seen evacuating the area after emergency responders had been alerted.
The media department of the office of the head of service confirmed the incident.
The office said the outbreak was limited to Section C of the building.
Fire Guts Section Of Federal Secretariat
Officials said emergency responders were already working to contain the fire.
“The fire outbreak is limited to Section C of the building and is currently being attended to by emergency officials,” the office said.
The cause of the fire had yet to be disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Abuja (FCT)
federal secretariat in Abuja
head of service office in Abuja.
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