The reopening of Nigeria’s Federal Unity Colleges is facing uncertainty after education workers opposed the Federal Government’s position on the resumption of schools.
The dispute is linked to the controversy surrounding the concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its Old Boys Association.
Workers Threaten to Halt Resumption
The Parent Teacher Association of Federal Unity Colleges reportedly called on workers to boycott resumption amid concerns over the government’s decision to hand over King’s College to its old students.
The development has created uncertainty across the country’s 112 Federal Unity Colleges.
The controversy escalated after reports circulated on social media claiming that the Federal Ministry of Education had postponed resumption for three weeks.
FG Denies Postponing Resumption
The Federal Ministry of Education, however, rejected the claim and described the purported postponement circular as fake.
The ministry reaffirmed that September 14, 2026 remained the official resumption date for Federal Unity Colleges.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has disowned a fabricated circular circulating on social media, purporting to announce an additional three-week holiday for students of Federal Unity Colleges nationwide,” the ministry said.
It added that the document did not originate from the ministry and should be disregarded.
The ministry further stated that the purported circular, dated September 8 and bearing a reference number, was fraudulent and contained the name and signature of a person who was not the ministry’s current Permanent Secretary.
Ministry Insists Schools Will Reopen
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, assured parents and students that the government remained committed to a safe and orderly reopening of the schools.
The ministry urged parents and members of the public to verify information through official government channels rather than rely on documents circulating on social media.
However, uncertainty remains over whether the workers’ opposition and the controversy surrounding King’s College will affect the reopening of the unity schools.
The dispute could create further disruption if the workers proceed with their planned action despite the Federal Government’s directive.
