The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has dismissed as “false and baseless” a viral voice note alleging that students in some Abuja schools were being forced to convert to a particular religion.
The audio, which circulated widely in Hausa language on social media, claimed that students in certain schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were subjected to religious indoctrination against their will.
But in a press statement issued on Saturday by the Head of Information/PR Unit of the Education Secretariat, Kabiru Musa, the FCTA stated that the schools mentioned in the audio GSS Maraba, GSS Bakin Ado, GJSS Kurunduma, and Aunty Alice School were not within the territory’s jurisdiction.
“Investigations revealed that these institutions are situated in Mararraba, Nasarawa State, approximately 20 to 25 kilometres from the Abuja city centre,” Musa clarified.
He explained that the Education Secretariat found no link between the schools mentioned and the official list of public or private schools registered in the FCT.
“None of the named schools is located within any official map of the FCT,” the statement noted.
Reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom, the FCTA stressed that its schools operate strictly on secular principles.
“FCT schools are inclusive and accommodate students from different religious backgrounds Christians, Muslims and others coexisting peacefully without any form of discrimination,” the statement said.
“All our teachers and school administrators adhere to strict professional ethics, focused on nurturing students to become disciplined, responsible citizens,” it added.
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The statement further emphasised the efforts of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, in improving educational infrastructure and monitoring compliance with standards across schools.
According to the Education Secretariat, the Administration’s current reforms are focused on “renovating school facilities, upgrading learning environments, and ensuring that every child receives quality education in a safe, inclusive atmosphere.”
The FCTA warned that attempts to spread false information capable of inciting religious division would not be tolerated. “We will not hesitate to take legal action against those deliberately promoting dangerous misinformation,” the Secretariat said.
It urged members of the public and media outlets to disregard the viral audio and rely only on official and verifiable information sources.
“The FCT remains committed to upholding the constitutional right of every Nigerian child to freedom of religion and education without fear or coercion,” the Secretariat concluded.
