The Federal Government has announced the reopening of 47 Unity Schools nationwide, weeks after their closure over escalating security concerns in parts of the country. The move marks a decisive step toward restoring stability in Nigeria’s public education system.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Security Boost Clears Way for Resumption
According to the ministry, the reopening followed a comprehensive review and strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools.
“After the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed,” the statement said.
Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many already rounding off December academic programmes, while others have concluded their examinations.
Students Back, Exams Completed
The ministry noted that the safe return of students and successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges demonstrated the government’s determination to keep learning on track despite ongoing security challenges.
It described the development as a clear indication that education would not be sacrificed in the face of threats.
Parents Assured: Safety Remains Priority
Reassuring parents, guardians, and the wider public, the Federal Government emphasized that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain its foremost concern.
The ministry stated that government is working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy across school environments nationwide.
Education Central to National Development
Reaffirming the administration’s broader vision, the ministry stressed that protecting access to education is a constitutional and moral responsibility.
“The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment,” the statement said.
It added that the administration places strong emphasis on human capital development, describing education as a critical pillar for national growth and development, and pledged to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar.
Why the Schools Were Shut
The reopening follows an earlier directive issued on November 21, ordering the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South.
The order, conveyed through a circular from the Ministry of Education, instructed principals of affected schools to enforce the closure without delay.
List of Affected Unity Colleges
The schools affected by the closure included FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure and FGC Kiyawa.
Others were FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omuaran, FTC Gwandara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari and FGC Rubochi.
Also affected were FGGC Abaji, FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri, and FTC Zambuk.
Some states, including Yobe, Plateau, and Bauchi, also announced temporary school closures during the period.
Abductions Sparked Alarm Nationwide
The closures were triggered by a fresh wave of school abductions, reviving national anxiety over student safety.
In Niger State, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, abducting more than 300 pupils and teachers. In Kebbi State, over 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped during an attack on a school in Maga town.
These incidents echoed a troubling pattern of attacks on schools dating back to 2014, when students were abducted in Chibok, Borno State.
Tinubu Orders Emergency Security Response
In response to the escalating threats, President Bola Tinubu directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate rescue efforts and oversee security operations.
A Test of Resolve
With classrooms reopening and students back on campus, the Federal Government insists it is striking a careful balance between security and the right to education, reinforcing its stance that schools must remain places of learning—not fear.
