Academic activities have been disrupted in several Federal Unity Colleges across Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States after education unions halted the scheduled resumption of students for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The development followed growing opposition from workers’ unions over the Federal Government’s proposed concession arrangement involving King’s College, Lagos.
Checks by correspondents showed that several schools remained closed on Monday, with students and teachers absent from classrooms.
Schools Shut Across Anambra
In Anambra State, affected institutions included:
- Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha
- Federal Government College, Nise
- Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Awka
The schools recorded little or no activity as gates remained closed.
A teacher at FSTC Awka, who requested anonymity, said staff were waiting for further instructions from school authorities and education unions before returning to work.
A parent, Mrs Georgina Alaneme, said she kept her child at home after receiving information that the school was affected by the industrial action.
Enugu College Locked Over Protest
A similar situation occurred at Federal Government College, Enugu, where academic activities were suspended.
The school, located at Independence Layout, was locked when visited by correspondents.
A teacher said staff initially reported for duty but were later asked to leave after union members arrived and shut the school gate.
The teacher said workers were concerned about reports that the government might extend concession plans beyond King’s College to other Unity Schools.
Parents also expressed frustration over the disruption.
Mrs Victoria Omenazu, whose child attends the school as a boarder, said her family was turned back when they arrived ahead of resumption.
She appealed to both the government and unions to resolve their differences quickly.
Ebonyi Union Rejects Government Directive
In Ebonyi State, the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASCSN) instructed members at Federal Government Girls’ College, Ezzamgbo, to ignore the government’s resumption directive.
The union maintained that its “No Resumption” order remained active pending further discussions with the Federal Ministry of Education.
The school gate remained locked, with only residential staff allowed access.
Mrs Rachael Benson-Ogbu, the ASCSN unit chairman at the college, said the directive followed consultations with the union’s national leadership.
She instructed members to remain at the school gate to ensure compliance.
Parents Raise Concerns Over Unity Schools
Some parents criticised the proposed concession arrangement, arguing that Federal Unity Colleges represent important national institutions established to promote unity and affordable quality education.
Mr Jacob Nwankwo, a parent at Federal Government College, Okposi, urged the government to reconsider any plan that could change the ownership or management structure of the schools.
He described Unity Schools as part of Nigeria’s educational heritage that should remain accessible to future generations.
Students Appeal for Quick Resolution
Students affected by the dispute also expressed disappointment over the delayed reopening of schools.
Ijeoma Michael, an SS2 student at Federal Government College, Okposi, said students were eager to return after the holiday break.
She appealed to both sides to reach an agreement and allow academic activities to continue.
