…Federal Government remains committed to protecting every Nigerian child
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Federal Government has ordered the immediate reopening of all 47 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), also known as Unity Schools.
According to the government, the security challenges that prompted the earlier shutdown have been resolved, and it can now guarantee the safety of students and staff.
In a statement on Thursday, Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, confirmed that students have returned to their campuses. Many are completing their December academic programmes, while others have successfully concluded examinations, following the strengthening of security measures within and around the affected schools.
Folasade assured parents, guardians, and the public that the government prioritizes the safety, welfare, and well-being of students. She emphasized that the Ministry is working closely with security agencies to maintain stability and restore normalcy in school environments nationwide.
She further stated that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting every Nigerian child and safeguarding their right to education in a secure environment.
“The administration values human capital development and considers education a key pillar of national growth. It is determined to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar. The safe return of students and the smooth conduct of examinations in several Unity Schools highlight the government’s commitment to keeping learning on track despite challenges,” Folasade said.
The Ministry of Education expressed gratitude for the cooperation, patience, and support of parents, school administrators, and students, reiterating its dedication to maintaining a stable and uninterrupted education system nationwide.
The closure of 41 FGCs on November 21 followed a series of coordinated attacks on boarding schools. Affected schools included Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Minjibir, Kano State; Federal Technical College (FTC), Ganduje, Kano State; FGGC, Zaria; FTC, Kafanchan, Kaduna State; FGGC, Bakori; FTC, Dayi; FGC, Daura; FGGC, Tambuwal; Federal Science College (FSC), Sokoto; FTC, Wurono; FGC, Gusau; FGC, Anka; FGGC, Gwandu; FGC, Birnin Yauri; FTC, Zuru; FGGC, Kazaure; FGC, Kiyawa; FTC, Hadejia; FGGC, Bida; FGC, New Bussa; and FTC, Kura-Shiroro.
Other affected schools included Federal Government Academy, Suleja; FGC Ilorin; FGGC Omu-Aran; FTC, Gwanara; FGC, Ugwolawo; FGGC, Kabba; FTC, Ogugu; FGGC, Bwari; FGC, Rubochi; FGGC, Abaji; FGGC, Potiskum; FGC, Buni-Yadi; FTC, Gashua; FTC, Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC, Azare; FTC, Misau; FGGC, Bajoga; FGC, Billiri; and FTC, Zambuk.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, through a letter signed by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education, instructed principals to close the schools immediately and ensure that students vacate the premises. The directive was issued in response to recent security threats and the need to prevent potential breaches.
“Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Minister,” the letter added.
