The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has strongly denied a viral voice note accusing schools in Abuja of forcing students to adopt a specific religion. The message, which circulated in Hausa, claimed that certain schools within the FCT were compelling students to convert against their will.
Kabir Musa, Head of Information and Public Relations at the FCT Education Secretariat, released a statement on Saturday calling the allegations “false, baseless, and deliberately misleading.” Investigations by the Education Secretariat revealed that none of the school names or locations mentioned in the audio exist within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to official findings, the schools are located in Mararaba, a town in Nasarawa State, roughly 20 to 25 kilometers from the Abuja city center.
The schools referenced in the voice note—GSS Mararaba, GSS Bakin Ado, GJSS Kurunduma, and Aunty Alice School—are outside the FCTA’s control. One of the claims involved a teacher allegedly forcing students to adopt another religion, but the FCTA confirmed that none of these events occurred within its schools.
FCTA reaffirmed that its schools are secular and uphold the rights of students to practice any faith. Both Christian and Muslim students coexist peacefully in FCT schools, and the administration emphasizes that freedom of worship is guaranteed. Teachers and administrators are trained professionals guided by strict codes of conduct, with a focus on developing disciplined and responsible students in a neutral learning environment.
Under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the government has prioritized education through large-scale school renovations, infrastructure upgrades, and ICT enhancements across the six area councils. The Education Secretariat, led by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, maintains strict monitoring systems to ensure inclusivity and discipline across all institutions.
The administration described the circulating voice note as an attempt to cause division and religious tension. It warned that legal and administrative steps may be taken against anyone spreading false information that threatens the integrity of the FCT’s education system.
