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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has directed the immediate reopening of the 47 Federal Government Colleges (FGCs) otherwise known as Unity Schools.
The government said the reason for the sudden shutdown of the school, which was insecurity, had been fixed and could guarantee the safety and security of students and teachers in the schools.
In a statement yesterday, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, confirmed that students had returned to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others had successfully completed their examinations. “This was after the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools.”
She assured parents, guardians and the public that the safety, welfare and well-being of the students remain a top priority and that the government was working closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.
She said the Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental rights to education in a safe and secure environment.
“The administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development. Accordingly, it remains determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar.
“The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges (FGCs) underscore the government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges,” she said.
The Federal Ministry of Education official appreciated the cooperation, patience and support of parents, school administrators and students, and reiterated commitment to sustaining a secure, stable and uninterrupted education system across the nation.
On November 21, the Federal Ministry of Education ordered the immediate closure of 41 FGCs in response to growing coordinated attacks on boarding schools.
The affected schools are 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.
Others are 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, in a letter by Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, the Director, Senior Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education and addressed to principals of the schools directed that the schools be shut with immediate effect and students vacated immediately.
The letter also indicated that the decision was sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breach.
“To this end, the principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please, accept the warm regards of the Minister,” the letter added.
