The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Education Secretariat, has taken a strong stance against what it called a misleading voice note circulating on social media in Hausa language that claimed students in FCT schools were being coerced into adopting a certain religion.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, signed by the Head of Information/PR Unit, Education Secretariat, Kabiru Musa, the Secretariat categorically refuted the claims, branding them as false and baseless.
The voice note had alleged that students in certain schools were being indoctrinated against their will.
However, the FCTA clarified that the schools mentioned, GSS Maraba, GSS Bakin Ado, GJSS Kurunduma, and Aunty Alice School, were not located within any official map of the FCT.
“Investigations revealed that these institutions are situated in Mararraba, Nasarawa State, approximately 20 to 25 kilometers from the Abuja city center,” he stated.
The statement further emphasised that FCT schools are strictly secular institutions where students of varying faiths, including Christians and Muslims, coexist peacefully.
The Administration reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an environment free from religious discrimination and compulsion, asserting the right of every child to an education that respects their freedom of worship.
“All our teachers and school administrators adhere to strict professional ethics, focused on nurturing students to become disciplined, responsible citizens,” the statement read.
The statement highlighted the ongoing efforts of the FCT Administration under the leadership of the Minister, Nyesom Wike, to enhance the education sector through significant renovations and the provision of modern infrastructure.
According to the statement, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, and his team have implemented a robust monitoring system aimed at ensuring that schools within the FCT maintain high standards of excellence, discipline, and inclusiveness.
The FCTA warned against the divisive and harmful narratives intended to undermine the education system and incite religious tension, asserting its intention to take legal action against anyone spreading such falsehoods.
The FCTA urged the public and media to ignore the viral voice note and instead seek information from verified official sources.
