Workers' Protest Delays Resumption at Rivers Unity Schools

The three Unity Schools in Rivers State have yet to reopen for the 2026/2027 academic session, following an ongoing protest by workers.

The affected schools are Federal Government College, Port Harcourt; Federal Government Girls' College, Abuloma; and Federal Science and Technology College, Ahoada. All three remained locked on Monday and Tuesday as students and parents arrived for the scheduled resumption.

The closure stems from a protest by labour unions against the Federal Government's concession of King's College, Lagos, to its alumni association. The protesting unions have since extended their action to Federal Unity Schools nationwide, disrupting the scheduled resumption of academic activities across the country.

Mr Ominini Bibi, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) at FGGC, Abuloma, confirmed the development in a statement made on Tuesday. He said students, parents, and guardians were barred from entering the school premises by union members on Monday, expressing regret over the situation and appealing 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.

Bibi apologised for the delay in communicating the development, explaining that the PTA had deliberately waited for confirmed information before reaching out to parents, in order to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports and causing unnecessary anxiety. He noted that the PTA executive committee is closely monitoring the situation and remains 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, urging parents and guardians to remain calm and patient while efforts continue to resolve the situation. He further apologised for the inconvenience caused by the closure and assured parents that the PTA remains actively engaged in seeking a peaceful and timely resolution.