By Seyi Odewale
The Federal Government has ordered the reopening of the 47 Federal Unity Colleges that were shut down nationwide following heightened security threats, ending a month-long disruption of academic activities triggered by fears over student safety.
The decision was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education, which said the reopening followed a review of security conditions around the affected schools and renewed assurances from security agencies.
According to the ministry, learning has now resumed fully in the colleges after security arrangements within and around the campuses were reinforced.
“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 completed their examinations,” the statement, signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said.
*FG cites improved security amid lingering fears
The ministry sought to allay parents’ and guardians’ fears, insisting that student safety remains non-negotiable.
It said the Federal Government was maintaining close collaboration with security agencies to ensure stability and prevent a recurrence of the threats that forced the closures.
“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.
“This 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 ministry stated.
It added that the triumphant return of students and completion of examinations in several unity colleges reflected the government’s determination to keep the education system functioning despite the prevailing insecurity.
The schools had been shut following a directive issued on November 21, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, which ordered the immediate closure of 41 unity colleges across several states due to worsening security conditions.
The directive, conveyed through an official circular, instructed principals to enforce the closure without delay. The affected schools were spread across the North-West, North-East, North-Central and parts of the South.
They included FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FGGC Bakori, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, FGC Birnin Yauri, FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure and FGC Kiyawa.
Others were FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-Bussa, FTC Kuta-Shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omuaran, FTC Gwanara, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari and FGC Rubochi.
Also listed were FGGC Abaji, FGGC Potiskum, FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri and FTC Zambuk.
Beyond the unity colleges, some state governments, including those of Yobe, Plateau and Bauchi, also announced the temporary closure of schools within their jurisdictions.
The shutdown followed a spike in security threats, particularly mass abductions of students. In Niger State, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, abducting over 300 pupils and teachers. In Kebbi State, more than 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped during an attack on a school in Maga town.
The incidents were part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on educational institutions, stretching back to the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State.
Amid the escalating crisis at the time, President Bola Tinubu directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate temporarily to Kebbi State to coordinate rescue operations.
The President also postponed official trips to Johannesburg and Angola, as renewed school attacks and kidnappings deepened insecurity across northern states and intensified calls for decisive, coordinated action to protect schools.
