By Joy Yesufu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a nationwide protest slated for Wednesday, July 2, in response to the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The students’ body expressed frustration over the government’s continued silence on the matter, which it described as a deliberate neglect of the rights of underprivileged children to basic education.
Public primary schools in the FCT have remained shut for over two months, due to unresolved disputes surrounding the implementation of the new N70,000 minimum wage for teachers.
In a statement signed by its president, Olushola Oladoja, NANS condemned what it called the “apathy” of the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike. The group said repeated appeals and calls for dialogue have been ignored.
“It is very clear that the government’s silence is an act of negligence and apathy towards the educational destiny of the Nigerian child. This closure is unacceptable.” The statement read.
NANS had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration to reopen all affected schools or face nationwide protests. With no action taken, the students’ body is moving forward with its threat.
The protest is expected to begin at 7:00 am at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja. Participants have been asked to dress in black as a sign of mourning for what NANS described as the “death of basic education.”
NANS has instructed all its structures in the FCT and neighbouring states, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna to mobilise students, civil society organisations, and education activists for the protest. Zone A and Zone C leaderships have also been directed to coordinate participation across key locations.
“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future,” Oladoja declared.
