The Federal Government has announced the reopening of 47 Federal Unity Colleges that were earlier closed due to security concerns across parts of the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, which said the decision followed the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools.
According to the ministry, academic activities have fully resumed in the colleges, with students returning safely to their campuses.
It noted that while some schools are currently concluding their December academic programmes, others have successfully conducted and completed their examinations.
The statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety of students and the uninterrupted delivery of education nationwide.
The ministry assured parents, guardians and the general public that the safety, welfare and well-being of students remain a top priority, adding that collaboration with relevant security agencies is ongoing to sustain stability and normalcy in school environments.
It stressed that the Federal Government remains resolute in protecting every Nigerian child and upholding their right to education in a safe and secure atmosphere, describing education as a critical pillar for national growth and human capital development.
The government further noted that the safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several unity colleges demonstrate its determination to keep learning on track despite prevailing security challenges.
The schools were initially shut on November 21 following rising insecurity and a wave of mass abductions targeting students in different parts of the country.
The closure affected 41 unity colleges across the North-West, North-East, North-Central and parts of the South, alongside additional closures announced by some state governments.
The decision came amid renewed attacks on schools, including the abduction of hundreds of pupils and teachers in Niger and Kebbi states, as well as similar incidents in other northern states.
In response to the escalating situation at the time, President Bola Tinubu ordered intensified security measures, directed senior defence officials to oversee rescue operations, and postponed foreign engagements to focus on the crisis.
The reopening of the schools marks a significant step by the government to restore confidence in the education system while addressing ongoing security threats.
