Olayiwola Matthew
The Federal Government has denied reports of a nationwide school closure, reassuring students, parents, and educators that there are no such directives in place.
According to a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Education, on Saturday, the report was described as false and misleading.
Boriowo added that the report, circulating on social media did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education, or any recognised security agency.
The statement urged members of the public to rely strictly on verified information from official channels.
“Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation,” the statement read.
The ministry stated that only communications from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments, and recognised security agencies should be considered authentic.
The clarification follows the Federal Government’s announcement on Friday ordering the closure of 41 federal secondary schools in high-risk areas following a spate of abductions in Niger and Kebbi States.
Recall that some states, including Kwara, Plateau, Katsina, and Niger, shut down schools amid rising insecurity, while Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, also directed all public and private schools to deboard their students with immediate effect.