FG reopens 47 unity schools after security overhaul

The Federal Government has announced the reopening of the 47 unity schools it shut down in November, saying security around the affected institutions has been significantly strengthened to guarantee the safety of students and staff.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, the government said academic activities have fully resumed across the schools following the reinforcement of security architecture within and around their premises.

“After the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed,” the statement said.

It noted that students have returned safely to their campuses, with many concluding their December academic programmes, while others have already completed their examinations.

The ministry reassured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority of the Federal Government.

It added that authorities would continue to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and prevent a recurrence of security breaches in school environments nationwide.

“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 added.

The 47 Federal Unity Colleges were closed following a wave of security incidents, including the mass abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states, which heightened fears over the safety of boarding schools, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Education and security experts had said the shutdown underscored the government’s recognition of Nigeria’s security challenges and the need for precautionary measures to protect students while longer-term safeguards were put in place.