James Harrison
The Federal Government reopened the 47 unity schools which were shut due to escalating insecurity and mass abduction of students by terrorist groups.
The Government’s decision was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
The Ministry stated that full academic activities have commenced in the schools with improved security arrangement now in place.
According to the statement, while many students have returned safely to their campuses, several others are either concluding their December academic programmes, or completing their examinations.
The Federal Government assured parents, guardians and the general public of its preparedness to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of students which it said remains a top priority.
The statement added that the Federal Government would continue to work closely with relevant security agencies to ensure stability and restoration normalcy in school environments nationwide.
The statement further emphasized the government’s commitment to the protection of the Nigerian child and his/her right to education in a protected, safe and secure environment.
The government promised to prevent any disruptions to the academic calendar stressing that education remains a central pillar of national development and human capital growth.
The Federal Government had on November 21, ordered the temporary closure of 47 unity schools in reactions to the escalating insecurity and mass abduction of students.
The Federal Government’s decision was contained in a circular issued by the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir on Friday.
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.
“Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister,” the circular read.
The affected schools are FGGC Minjibir; FGA Suleja; FTC Ganduje; FGGC Zaria; FTC Kafancha; 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; FGC Kiyawa; FTC Hadejia; FGGC Bida; FGC New Bussa; and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.
Others are 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 Gashau; FTC Michika; FGC Ganye; FGC Azare; FTC Misau; FGGC Bajoga; FGC Billiri; and FTC Zambuk.
The government’s decision follows the abduction of 52 student of
St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in the early hours of Friday.
Earlier on Monday bandits had attacked a secondary school in Maga, a community in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing the Vice Principal and abducting 25 female students.
