The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a mass protest in Abuja on Wednesday, July 2, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Grassroots Parrot reports that NANS described the prolonged shutdown as “unacceptable” and a grave injustice to the Nigerian child.
The association blamed the crisis on unresolved disputes between the FCT Administration and the Local Government Education Authorities, which have left thousands of pupils—especially from low-income families—without access to basic education for over two months.
The statement, signed by NANS President Olushola Oladoja, expressed frustration over the government’s inaction despite multiple appeals, letters, and calls for constructive engagement.
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“The National Association of Nigerian Students expresses deep concern over the persistent closure of public primary schools within the Federal Capital Territory, which has lasted for over two months,” Oladoja said.
“This unacceptable situation continues to deny thousands of children—particularly those from low-income families—their fundamental right to basic education.”
According to him, the government’s failure to address the issue reflects a “deliberate act of negligence and disregard for the educational future of the Nigerian child.”
Earlier, the student body had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, demanding the immediate reopening of the affected schools. With no resolution in sight, NANS is now set to take to the streets in protest.
“As a result, 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,” the statement read.
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Oladoja said students from Abuja and neighbouring states—including Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—are being mobilised alongside civil society organisations and education rights advocates to ensure “widespread and impactful participation.”
He emphasized that the planned demonstration is not only a fight for education but also a broader call for justice and equality. “We shall occupy the streets of Abuja until the government listens. No retreat, no surrender!” he declared.
Zone A and Zone C NANS coordinators have been tasked with leading the mobilisation drive ahead of the protest.
The FCT Administration and the office of the minister are yet to officially respond to the planned demonstration or provide an update on efforts to resolve the impasse.