The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its intention to stage a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in response to the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Describing the situation as “unacceptable” and a grave injustice, the student body lamented the impact on Nigerian children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
In a statement signed by its President, Olushola Oladoja, and made available to our correspondent on Monday, NANS blamed the FCT Administration and Local Government Education Authorities for their failure to resolve the dispute that has left schools shut for over two months. “This unacceptable situation continues to deny thousands of children, particularly those from low-income families their fundamental right to basic education,” Oladoja said.
The association noted that it had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, demanding urgent intervention. However, it expressed disappointment that all efforts through letters, appeals, and requests for dialogue had yielded no result. “Despite multiple appeals, correspondences, and calls for constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities, no meaningful steps have been taken to resolve the impasse or reopen the affected schools,” Oladoja stated.
Describing the government’s silence as a clear act of negligence, Oladoja said the association had resolved to take decisive action. “It is evident that the government’s silence is a deliberate act of negligence and disregard for the educational future of the Nigerian child. In response, the national leadership of NANS hereby issues a final call to action and announces a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT,” he said.
To ensure a strong turnout, NANS has directed its structures in the FCT and surrounding states Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna to commence immediate mobilisation of students, civil society organisations, and education activists. “We shall occupy the streets of Abuja until the government listens. No retreat, no surrender! The protest is not just about education, but a broader fight for justice, equality, and the future of the nation,” Oladoja declared.
