Federal Government Plans Major Overhaul of Unity Colleges: Basic and Secondary Schools to be Unbundled

The Nigerian government is poised to reorganize the country’s 115 Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs), splitting them into separate basic and secondary schools. This major reform was announced by the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, during the annual general meeting of unity college principals held in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Sununu, this move aligns with the National Policy on Education (NPE) and is aimed at improving the overall education system in the country. The restructuring is expected to attract increased funding for infrastructure development, address teacher welfare, and create new job opportunities.

“The ministry, with support from relevant government agencies, will ensure this is achieved in the shortest possible time,” Sununu affirmed.

The minister also urged the principals, as key stakeholders, to collaborate in driving the improvement of the education sector. He emphasized the need for them to address social vices, maintain discipline, and engage with local communities to ensure the safety and security of the schools.

The Federal Unity Schools initiative, launched in the mid-1960s, was designed to promote inter-regional education and reduce tribal divisions. The first three schools were established in Okposi, Sokoto, and Warri in 1966.