The three Unity Schools in Rivers 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 under lock and key on Monday and Tuesday as students and parents arrived for the scheduled resumption.
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.
Mr Ominini Bibi, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), FGGC, Abuloma, confirmed the development in a statement made available on Tuesday.
Bibi said students, parents and guardians were barred from entering the school premises by union members 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.
Bibi apologised for the late notice, explaining that the PTA deliberately waited for confirmed information before communicating with parents to avoid the circulation of unconfirmed reports and unnecessary anxiety.
He said the PTA executive committee was closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to the welfare, safety and academic interests of the 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.
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.
