The Federal Government (FG) has announced the reopening of 47 Federal Unity Colleges across the country, weeks after they were shut down due to escalating security concerns.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Federal Ministry of Education confirmed that academic activities have fully resumed.
The decision follows a period of intense security evaluations and the fortification of safety measures around the affected institutions.
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The Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, stated that the reopening underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that the academic calendar remains uninterrupted despite prevailing security challenges.
“After the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed. Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.”
FG assured parents and guardians that the welfare and safety of students remain a top priority.
FG noted that they are working closely with security agencies to maintain stability within school environments nationwide.
The initial directive to close the schools was issued on November 21, following a wave of mass abductions in northern states.
Originally, 41 colleges were ordered to shut down immediately, a number that has now been updated to 47 in the reopening announcement.
The closure affected schools across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South. In the North-West, affected institutions included the Federal Government Girls’ College, Zaria; Federal Government College, Daura; Federal Government College, Gusau; and Federal Government Girls’ College, Tambuwal.
In the North-Central zone, the closure impacted the Federal Government Academy, Suleja; Federal Government College, Ilorin; and the Federal Government Girls’ College, Bwari.
Meanwhile, in the North-East, schools affected included the Federal Government Girls’ College, Potiskum; Federal Government College, Buni Yadi; and the Federal Government Girls’ College, Bajoga.
The emergency school closures announced in November followed a surge in violent attacks on academic institutions across parts of the country.
In Niger State, more than 300 pupils and teachers were abducted during an attack on St Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, while in Kebbi State, over 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Maga town.
In response to the incidents, President Bola Tinubu directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to oversee and coordinate rescue operations.
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The President also postponed several international engagements to concentrate on addressing the worsening domestic security situation.
The ministry emphasised that education is a “critical pillar for national growth” and reiterated its resolve to protect the fundamental right of every Nigerian child to learn in a secure environment.
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