Nigeria is grappling with a mounting education crisis as escalating school attacks in the North trigger public fury, renewed scrutiny of the nation’s security architecture, and widespread fear among parents and students. From Kebbi to Niger, Kogi to the Federal Capital Territory, concerns over student safety have reached a boiling point, prompting conflicting government actions and urgent pleas from civil society.

In Niger State, tragedy struck when a distraught father, identified as Mr. Anthony, died of a heart attack after three of his children were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Northern Region and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, revealed that the man collapsed under the shock of the abduction, underscoring the emotional wreckage families face.

Hayab lamented the “fresh trauma” endured by parents whose children were kidnapped in recent raids across Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states, noting that while 50 senior students managed to escape the Niger attack, more than 265 younger pupils aged nine to 14 remain missing. He criticised what he described as the absence of visible security presence in affected communities, insisting Nigerians want concrete action rather than official statements.

The despair in homes is being echoed by organised groups.

Prominent Northern women, under the coalition Voices for Inclusion and Equity for Women (VIEW), condemned the closure of schools by state and federal authorities in response to the unrest. In a strongly worded joint statement signed by leading advocates—including Asmau Joda, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Oyebode, and Kadaria Ahmed—the group argued that shutting down schools amounted to surrendering to terrorists.

“Closing schools does not provide security; it is an admission of defeat,” the women stated. They warned that northern girls—already facing the country’s highest female illiteracy rates—would be disproportionately harmed. “Every shuttered classroom widens inequality… This is not protection; it is abandonment.”

The National Association of Nigerian Students echoed these concerns, declaring Nigeria’s internal security system “a failure.” NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, said the Safe School Initiative had become ineffective despite large investments, accusing police leadership of “poor coordination and leadership complacency.”

Citing the recent Kebbi attack in which terrorists abducted at least 24 schoolgirls, Oladoja suggested possible insider sabotage, noting that the attack occurred minutes after a military withdrawal. He called for a high-level investigation into alleged collaboration, troop redeployments, and intelligence lapses.

NANS warned that if urgent reforms are not implemented—including overhauling the Safe School Initiative and providing transparent updates on rescue efforts—students will embark on nationwide civil disobedience. “We can no longer stand by while terrorists destroy what remains of our education system. The era of silence is over,” Oladoja declared.

Amid the unrest, other states are moving to protect their examination environments. In Kogi State, Police Commissioner Naziru Kankarofi assured residents that security personnel have been deployed across all centres ahead of the external examinations. Thaddeus Ajabu, the NECO coordinator in Kogi, praised the police for proactive efforts and emphasised the need for enhanced coverage as examinations begin.

Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, a different crisis unfolded after a viral memo falsely claimed that public secondary schools would shut down on November 28 due to security concerns. The FCT Administration swiftly debunked the claim, insisting the academic calendar remains intact.

Senior Special Assistant to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, described the memo as unauthorised, prompting the suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo. The Director who signed the memo is now facing disciplinary action. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered the reactivation of Operation Sweep and other security initiatives to calm residents’ fears.

As panic spreads and public trust wavers, one theme cuts across the voices of parents, students, religious leaders, and civil society: Nigeria must urgently reclaim its schools from terror.

From grieving families to advocacy groups demanding action, the message rings clear—education cannot be sacrificed, and the nation must respond not with panic or silence, but with strategy, courage, and a renewed commitment to securing its children.

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