Students of Federal Unity Colleges across Nigeria have been unable to resume as scheduled following opposition by teachers’ unions to the Federal Government’s proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.
Several colleges visited by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents on Sunday, Sept. 13, were under lock and key, with no teachers or students on the premises. Notices on some school gates read, “Unity Colleges are not for sale” and “No resumption until reversal of King’s College concession.”
At Federal Government Boys’ College, Apo, the PTA Chairperson, Mrs Amina Abdullahi, confirmed that the school did not open, saying it was complying with the union’s directive and awaiting further guidance from the Federal Ministry of Education. She urged the government to engage stakeholders transparently and prioritise students’ interests.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr Audu Amba, backed the suspension of resumption and called for the proposed concession to be suspended pending wider consultation. However, he clarified that the NUT had not officially directed teachers to withdraw from work or declared a closure of schools, adding that the union’s Federal Wing would meet on Monday to determine its next steps.
The development has raised concerns that prolonged disagreement could disrupt the academic calendar and affect students and staff in the colleges. Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government and teachers’ unions to resolve the dispute through dialogue and ensure that academic activities resume without further disruption.
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