NANS to Stage Mass Protest in FCT Over Prolonged Closure of Public Primary Schools

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to hold a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in response to the ongoing closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The announcement was made in a notice signed by NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike to reopen the affected schools.

The closure, which has persisted for over two months, has been described by Oladoja as “unacceptable,” denying thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, their fundamental right to basic education. Despite repeated appeals and calls for dialogue, NANS claims the authorities have taken no meaningful steps to address the situation, labeling the government’s silence as a “deliberate act of negligence.”

The protest is scheduled to commence at 7:00 am at the FCDA Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, with protesters wearing black to symbolize the “death of basic education.” NANS has directed its structures across the FCT and neighboring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—to mobilize students, civil society allies, and education rights activists for the action. The leadership of Zones A and C has been tasked with coordinating efforts to ensure widespread participation.

“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future,” Oladoja declared, urging all stakeholders to join in demanding the immediate reopening of the closed schools.