The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a mass protest in Abuja on Wednesday, 2 July, over the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protest, which will see students donning black in symbolic mourning for what they described as the “death of basic education,” is in response to what the student body has labelled a “deliberate act of negligence” by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued and signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, on Monday, the association expressed grave concern over the continued shutdown of public primary schools in the capital, which has now persisted for more than two months.
“This prolonged closure is not only unacceptable but a gross violation of the fundamental right to education, especially for children from low-income families,” said Mr Oladoja.
The students’ union had last week issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration, demanding the immediate reopening of schools. However, according to NANS, no steps have been taken by the authorities to address the situation.
“Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue, the government has remained silent. This silence is not mere oversight—it is a clear message of disregard for the educational future of the Nigerian child,” Mr Oladoja stated.
The protest is expected to begin at 7:00 am, with demonstrators assembling at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Secretariat in Area 11, Garki.
“All NANS structures across the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—are to commence full mobilisation,” said the statement, which also tasked the union’s Zone A and Zone C coordinators with ensuring broad participation.
Mr Oladoja emphasised that the demonstration goes beyond the immediate demand to reopen schools.
“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future,” he declared.
The ongoing closure of public schools in the FCT has been attributed to unresolved disputes between primary school teachers and local authorities, reportedly over unpaid salaries and benefits.
As tensions escalate, the students’ protest is likely to add significant pressure on the FCT Administration to act.
