NANS declares nationwide protest Wednesday

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared plans to hold a large-scale protest on Wednesday, July 2, in response to the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement released on Monday and signed by its president, Olushola Oladoja, the association condemned the school closures, which have persisted for over two months, depriving thousands of children—especially from low-income families—of access to basic education.

Last week, NANS issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, demanding the reopening of the schools or face national protests.

“The silence from the government reflects sheer neglect and indifference to the educational future of Nigerian children,” Oladoja said, calling the situation “totally unacceptable.”

He noted that despite repeated appeals and attempts to initiate dialogue, the authorities have made no meaningful effort to address the issue or reopen the schools.

In response, NANS announced that a mass protest will take place, demanding the immediate reopening of all shut public primary schools in the FCT.

Protesters will gather at the FCDA Secretariat in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, from 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, wearing black to mourn what the group called “the death of basic education” in the country.

“All NANS structures in the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—are hereby directed to begin full mobilisation of students, civil society groups, and education advocates for this protest,” Oladoja stated.

The coordination of the protest will be handled by Zone A and Zone C leadership to ensure wide participation and strong impact.

“This demonstration is not just about schools—it’s a stand for justice, equity, and the future of Nigeria,” the NANS president concluded.