Wike to complete 70% of schools’ renovation early 2026 – Secretary

Dr Danlami Hayyo, Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), says FCT Minister Nyesom Wike will complete 60 to 70 per cent of public secondary schools renovation in the territory in early 2026.

Hayyo disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while addressing journalists shortly after resuming office following a three-week suspension.

The mandate secretary expressed gratitude to the minister for reinstating him and pledged total loyalty to Wike in achieving the administration’s objectives in the education sector.

He revealed that more than 100 public secondary schools have already been fully renovated under the ongoing rehabilitation and upgrade programme, while renovation work in several others is either ongoing or nearing completion.

“We expect that by the first quarter of 2026, about 60 to 70 per cent of the school renovation projects will be completed and ready for inauguration by the minister.

“This is a laudable achievement because there has never been a regime in the FCT where schools have witnessed this level of massive transformation.

“I do not think there is any other state that can compete with the FCT in terms of infrastructural and physical facilities in schools,” he said.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding his suspension, Hayyo said it stemmed from an unauthorised circular issued by a director directing early school closure over alleged security concerns.

According to him, no director has the authority to issue or circulate such directives without approval from the mandate secretary or the FCT minister.

He thanked Wike for understanding the situation and reinstating him, while stressing the importance of capacity building among senior officers, particularly directors, in the education secretariat.

“As I resume duty, one of my first priorities is refresher training. We must ensure that newly appointed directors, as well as existing ones, undergo structured training.

“They must understand their mandates, how to carry out their duties, and when to consult their superior officers,” Hayyo said.

Our correspondent reports that Hayyo was suspended on Nov. 25 following the circulation of a directive ordering early school closure due to alleged security concerns.

He was reinstated on Dec. 17 by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.