The Federal Government has unexpectedly reopened all 47 Federal Unity Colleges that were shut down due to rising insecurity across the country.
The decision comes weeks after widespread fears forced the schools to close, disrupting academic activities nationwide.
The unity colleges were closed in November 2025 following repeated cases of mass abductions, violent attacks, and threats targeting schools.
The incidents were reported across the North West, North East, North Central, and parts of southern Nigeria, raising deep concerns among parents and educators.
However, on Thursday, December 18, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that students would return to school.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the ministry, the reopening followed extensive consultations with security agencies across the country.
Moreover, the government assured parents that new measures have been put in place to protect students and staff.
“The Federal Government has reaffirmed its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their constitutional right to education in a secure setting,” the statement said.
The ministry explained that many students were already concluding their December academic programmes.
In addition, some schools had successfully conducted examinations before the closure period ended.
Therefore, officials said reopening the schools became necessary to avoid prolonged learning disruptions.
The government stressed that education must continue despite ongoing security challenges.
“The decision to reopen the Unity Colleges reflects the administration’s determination to ensure that no child is denied access to education due to security concerns,” the statement added.
Education was described as a key driver of national development. Furthermore, the ministry said safeguarding the academic calendar remains a top priority.
“Education remains a central pillar of this administration’s human capital development agenda and a key driver of national growth.
Accordingly, the government remains committed to safeguarding the academic calendar,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the ministry highlighted that the smooth return of students in several colleges already demonstrated progress.
“The successful return of students and the smooth conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore this commitment,” it noted.
Parents and school administrators were thanked for their patience and cooperation during the closure period.
However, authorities admitted that security concerns remain a national challenge.
Nevertheless, the reopening of unity colleges is seen as a bold step toward restoring confidence in public education.
