Workers Protest: Unity schools in Rivers remain closed

The three federal unity schools in Rivers State have yet to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session following a protest by workers.

The affected schools are Federal Government College, Port Harcourt; Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma, and Federal Science and Technology College, Ahoada.

The schools remained shut on Monday and Tuesday as students and parents arrived for the scheduled resumption.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the closure followed a protest by labour unions against the federal government’s concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its alumni association.

The protesting unions also shut federal unity schools across the country, disrupting the scheduled resumption of academic activities.

Ominini Bibi, chairman, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma, confirmed the development in a statement made available to NAN on Tuesday.

Mr Bibi said union members barred students, parents and guardians from entering the school premises on Monday.

He expressed regret over the development and appealed to parents and guardians for understanding and patience.

“The closure of the school gate is as a result of a peaceful protest embarked upon by the School Staff Union over an internal administrative matter affecting Unity Schools nationwide.

“Consequently, access to the school premises has temporarily been restricted,” he said.

Mr Bibi apologised for the late notice, explaining that the PTA deliberately waited for confirmed information before communicating with parents.

He said the decision was aimed at avoiding the circulation of unconfirmed information and preventing unnecessary anxiety among parents and guardians.

According to him, the PTA executive committee was closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to the welfare, safety and academic interests of students.

“We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved amicably and that normal activities, including students’ resumption, will commence as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr Bibi urged parents and guardians to remain calm and patient while efforts were made to resolve the situation.

He also apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure and assured parents that the PTA remained engaged in seeking a peaceful and timely resolution.