By Agbafo Ijeoma
Three Federal Government Unity Schools in Rivers State have remained closed following a protest by workers over the Federal Government’s concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its alumni association. The affected schools are Federal Government College, Port Harcourt; Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma; and Federal Science and Technology College, Ahoada.
The schools remained locked on Monday and Tuesday despite the scheduled resumption of students for the 2026/2027 academic session. Students and parents who arrived at the schools were unable to gain access to the premises as members of the protesting unions restricted entry.
The protest was reportedly part of a wider industrial action by labour unions, which shut Federal Unity Schools across the country and disrupted the commencement of academic activities. The unions are opposing the concession of King’s College, Lagos, to its alumni association, with the action affecting the reopening of schools nationwide.
Mr Ominini Bibi, Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma, confirmed the closure and appealed to parents and guardians to remain calm. He explained that the school gate was shut as a result of a peaceful protest by the School Staff Union over an internal administrative matter affecting Unity Schools nationwide.
Bibi apologised for the late notice and said the PTA had waited for confirmed information before communicating with parents to avoid spreading unverified reports and creating unnecessary anxiety. He said the PTA was monitoring the situation and remained committed to the welfare and academic interests of the students, expressing hope that the dispute would be resolved amicably and normal school activities would resume soon.
