The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on Wednesday, July 2, over the prolonged closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NANS President Olushola Oladoja, in a statement issued on Monday, expressed the association's deep concern over the school closures that have persisted for more than two months, preventing thousands of children, particularly from economically disadvantaged families, from accessing basic education.
Ultimatum Ignored by Authorities
Last week, NANS issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike to reopen the schools or face nationwide protests. According to Oladoja, the government's silence demonstrates "negligence and apathy towards the educational destiny of the Nigerian child."
"It is very clear that the government's silence is an act of negligence and apathy towards the educational destiny of the Nigerian child," Oladoja stated, describing the continued closure as "unacceptable."
The NANS president further lamented that despite repeated appeals and calls for dialogue, authorities have made no effort to resolve the deadlock or reopen the affected schools.
Protest Details and Mobilization
Protesters will converge at the FCDA Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, at 7:00 am on Wednesday. Participants are instructed to dress in black, symbolizing mourning for what NANS describes as the "death of basic education" in Nigeria.
"All NANS structures across the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—are by this notice directed to commence full mobilisation of students, civil society allies, and education rights activists for this mass action," Oladoja announced.
Zone A and Zone C leadership have been tasked with coordinating participation to ensure a widespread and impactful turnout for the demonstration.
Emphasizing the significance of the protest, the NANS president declared: "This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria's future."
The prolonged school closures have raised serious concerns about the impact on educational development and the future prospects of affected children, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds who rely heavily on public education.
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