Rivers State Ministry of Education has officially directed all primary and secondary schools across the state to reopen for academic activities on Monday, January 5, 2026, bringing clarity to anxious parents, students and school staff. The announcement put to rest a swirl of rumours on social media about possible extensions to the school break. The directive covers public and private institutions and aligns with the approved 2025/2026 academic calendar.
Education officials emphasised that the state government expects full compliance from schools and that monitoring teams will be on the ground to ensure pupils and students are back in classrooms as scheduled. While the ministry did not outline sanctions for defaults in the statement, its wording indicated that there could be consequences for schools that fail to comply with the resumption date.
For many families in Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, and beyond, the news brings a mix of relief and preparation stress. After the extended holiday period, parents and guardians are now busy readying school uniforms, textbooks, exercise books, and other supplies to welcome children back to learning. The education sector in the state hopes a smooth reopening will set the tone for a productive term ahead.
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Government Urges Schools and Parents to Obey Official Dates
In the statement from the Education Ministry, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Azibaolanari Uzoma-Nwogu, officials urged all parties to ignore unverified reports about changes to the school calendar. Thousands of Rivers State students had been actively discussing the period of holiday on online platforms, and confusion was widespread about whether classes would resume this Monday or later in the month.
The ministry further reiterated that the approved academic calendar remains the guiding document for all school activities. Rather than a flexible approach, schools are expected to reopen for the second term on the set date, resuming lessons, examinations, and other academic processes that mark the continuation of the educational year. The government’s firm stance stems from a desire to maintain consistency in schooling across the state.
Teachers are also gearing up to return after the holiday break. Many educators shared their plans to use the weekend to finalise lesson plans and organise classrooms in readiness for students. School heads told local correspondents that improved attendance and punctuality would be focal points for the term, hoping to build momentum after the festive period.
Challenges and Expectations Ahead for Schools and Parents
Despite the clear directive, there are practical challenges that stakeholders hope will be addressed promptly. Some parents have raised concerns about transport and security, especially for pupils in more remote parts of the state who rely on school buses or shared transport arrangements. Rivers State has a diverse population distribution, and ensuring that all learners get to school safely remains a priority for many families.
Teachers, too, spoke about catching up on curriculum content to ensure that teaching time lost to holidays is recovered effectively. Many in the education sector believe that targeted efforts and a structured timetable will be essential to meet the academic targets set for the term.
School proprietors and administrators are holding meetings with Parent-Teacher Associations to coordinate expectations and prepare for a full return to academic activity. There is also talk among some private school networks about additional tutoring programmes after regular hours or on weekends to bridge any gaps in learning caused by the holiday hiatus.
Rivers and Other States Set the Trend for School Reopenings
Rivers is not the only state that has recently issued a school resumption directive. Across Nigeria, several states, including Kwara and Kebbi, have also announced reopening plans for their schools starting Monday. In Kwara State, the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development confirmed that schools would reopen on Monday, January 5, except in areas designated under special security measures. State officials requested patience from families and highlighted ongoing efforts to safeguard pupils and teachers in vulnerable localities.
Similarly, the Kebbi State government directed all public and private schools in urban areas to resume on Monday, with remote schools waiting for further security assessments before reopening. Government officials assured that necessary safety arrangements were being put in place.
These coordinated actions reflect a renewed national focus on education as a critical driver for development. With schools reopening across many states, educational stakeholders are calling for sustained support from communities, security agencies and families to ensure a peaceful and productive academic session.
Looking Forward with Hope
As Monday draws closer, the mood among students in Rivers State is a mix of eagerness and nervousness. The holiday break was a welcome time to rest and reflect, but the real journey of learning is now resuming in earnest. For many final-year students preparing for national examinations, the reopening signals a critical phase in their academic careers. Teachers and school leaders are hopeful that a structured and timely resumption will help learners regain momentum toward success.
Parents are making the necessary arrangements to ensure children have all essentials from uniforms to textbooks. School support staff are cleaning and sanitising buildings to ensure a healthy environment. The emphasis on preparation reflects the communal belief that education remains a key to opportunity and advancement.
With clear directives from the Ministry, families and education workers alike are poised to embrace the return to classroom life. The coming days will show how well schools manage their reopening and how quickly students settle back into their academic routines.
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