The Federal Government has announced the reopening of the 47 unity schools it shut down weeks ago due to security concerns.

The decision was disclosed in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday, reaffirming the government’s “unwavering commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education.”

“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 successfully completed their examinations,” the statement signed by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, read in part.

It assured parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority. The ministry explained that the government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.

“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,” it stated.

The statement noted that the safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several unity colleges underscored the government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.

The Federal Government had, on 21 November, ordered the immediate closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges over rising security concerns. The directive was issued through a circular from the Federal Ministry of Education, instructing principals of affected schools to enforce the closure without delay.

The 41 schools are located in states across the North-West, North-East, North-Central, and parts of the South. They included Federal Government Colleges and Federal Science and Technical Colleges such as FGC Gusau, FGGC Zaria, FGA Suleja, and FGC Birnin Yauri, among others.

Several state governments, including those of Yobe, Plateau and Bauchi, also announced the closure of schools within their jurisdictions.

The closures followed a surge in security threats and mass abductions of schoolchildren. In Niger State, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, abducting over 300 pupils and teachers. Separately, in Kebbi State, over 20 schoolgirls were kidnapped during an attack on a school in Maga town.

These incidents represented the latest in a series of kidnappings targeting academic institutions since the 2014 abduction of students in Chibok, Borno State.

In response to the escalating threats, President Bola Tinubu had directed the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to oversee rescue operations and postponed his planned trips to Johannesburg and Angola. The surge in school attacks intensified insecurity across northern states, prompting urgent calls for coordinated action.