The Federal Ministry of Education has dismissed as false reports alleging that the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Monguno, Borno State, came under attack, assuring parents, guardians and members of the public that the school remains safe and that all students and staff are secure.
The Ministry, in a press statement issued on Sunday, described the reports circulating on some media platforms and social media as “false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic among parents, guardians and the general public.”
According to the Ministry, there was no security breach at the college, while academic and residential activities are continuing without disruption.
“FGGC, Monguno remains safe and secure, with all students, staff and boarding facilities fully protected and accounted for. Academic, boarding and other school activities continue uninterrupted in a peaceful environment,” the statement read.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns generated by reports linking the college to a security incident in Borno State, a development that prompted anxiety among parents and other stakeholders.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting learners across the country, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, said the welfare and security of students in Federal Government Colleges remain a priority of the administration.
“The safety, security and welfare of learners in all Federal Government Colleges remain a top priority,” the Minister said.
He explained that the Federal Government has continued to strengthen security measures across its unity colleges, particularly those located in areas facing security challenges, to ensure that students can pursue their education in a safe and conducive environment.
According to him, FGGC, Monguno currently operates under “robust security arrangements to safeguard students, staff and school facilities,” adding that the Ministry remains in constant communication with relevant security agencies to sustain effective protection of the institution.
The Minister also addressed the circumstances surrounding the incident that has been linked to the college, clarifying that none of the students of FGGC, Monguno was involved.
“No student of FGGC, Monguno was involved in the incident being falsely linked to the school,” Alausa stated.
He further explained that “the affected individuals were remedial students outside the college,” stressing that the incident did not occur within the institution or involve its enrolled students.
According to the Minister, the Borno State Government has already taken steps to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected.
“The Borno State Government is taking the necessary steps to ensure their safety and welfare,” he added.
The Ministry expressed concern over the circulation of unverified reports, warning that misinformation, particularly on issues relating to schools and students, could trigger unnecessary fear among parents and undermine public confidence.
It therefore urged media organisations, bloggers and social media users to exercise professionalism by verifying information through official sources before publication.
“We urge the media, bloggers and social media users to verify information through official sources before publication and advise the public to disregard the false report in its entirety,” the statement said.
The Ministry reiterated that safeguarding the lives and well-being of students remains central to the Federal Government’s education agenda, assuring parents that appropriate security measures remain in place across Federal Government Colleges nationwide.
It also pledged to continue working closely with security agencies and relevant authorities to maintain a secure learning environment while providing timely and accurate information whenever issues concerning the nation’s schools arise.