The Ministries of Education in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states have issued definitive directives for the reopening of all primary and secondary schools, effective Monday, January 5, 2026.
The coordinated announcements aim to provide clarity for parents and teachers following a wave of conflicting reports on social media regarding potential extensions to the holiday period.
Rivers State: Strict Compliance or Consequences
In a “Public Interest Announcement” signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr. Mrs. Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, the government urged stakeholders to ignore rumors stating otherwise.
The state emphasized that both public and private institutions must strictly adhere to the government-approved 2025/2026 academic calendar. “There will be consequences for non-compliance,” the statement warned, signaling that the state’s monitoring team would be active on the resumption date to ensure students and staff return to classrooms as scheduled.
Akwa Ibom: Immediate Academic Take-off
Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education has directed principals, head teachers, and private school proprietors to ensure that “lessons and other school activities” commence fully on Monday morning.
The Permanent Secretary, Lady Rose N. Bassey, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, urged teachers to return to their posts immediately.
The ministry highlighted that the expectation is for a resourceful and rewarding new session, with no allowance for a slow take-off of academic duties.
