The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has sounded a fresh warning over the growing wave of insecurity across the country, saying persistent attacks on schools, teachers and students pose a grave threat to the future of education in Nigeria.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, the National President of the union, Mr. Audu Amba, expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks targeting educational institutions in various parts of the country.
According to Amba, what initially appeared to be isolated security challenges has gradually evolved into a widespread crisis that is disrupting learning and undermining efforts to build the nation’s human capital.
He cited recent incidents in Kebbi and Niger states, where schools were reportedly attacked by armed criminals. In one of the attacks, a teacher was allegedly killed in the presence of family members, while students were abducted in another incident.
“The situation is becoming alarming. We recently witnessed attacks in Kebbi State where a school was invaded and a teacher was brutally killed before family members. We also had reports from Niger State, where students were taken into captivity. These incidents are deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” he said.
Amba stressed that education remains the foundation of national development and should be protected from criminal activities capable of disrupting academic activities and discouraging school attendance.
He warned that when schools become unsafe, the country risks jeopardizing the future of millions of children and weakening the education system that is essential for national progress.
“When education, especially basic education, comes under threat from insecurity, then something must have gone wrong somewhere within the system,” he stated.
The NUT president noted that the union had hoped previous attacks on schools would prompt stronger action from relevant authorities. However, he lamented that such incidents appear to be increasing in frequency and severity.
He also referenced recent security concerns in Oyo State as further evidence that threats to schools are no longer confined to a few regions but are spreading across the country.
“It is a matter of concern for all Nigerians because when education is threatened by banditry and kidnapping, the future of our country becomes uncertain. That is why government must be more proactive in addressing these security challenges before they cause irreversible damage to the education sector,” he said.
Amba called on the federal and state governments, security agencies and other stakeholders to take urgent and coordinated measures to safeguard schools, teachers and learners. He emphasized that ensuring safe learning environments is critical to sustaining educational development and achieving national growth.
While acknowledging the limitations of the union, Amba said NUT would continue to advocate for improved security in schools and draw attention to the dangers facing the education sector.
“The only weapon available to us is advocacy. We do not carry guns and we are not security agencies, but we must continue speaking up,” he said.
As concerns over school safety continue to grow, education stakeholders are calling for stronger security measures and sustained government commitment to protecting schools, ensuring that children can learn without fear and teachers can carry out their duties in a safe environment.