Growing insecurity across Nigeria is putting the education of more than 52 million primary and secondary school pupils at risk, with increasing attacks on schools, kidnappings of students and teachers, and the closure of educational institutions raising fears about the future of the country’s education sector.
Recent data from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) show that over 47 million pupils are enrolled in basic education, while more than 5.5 million students attend secondary schools nationwide. However, education stakeholders warn that persistent insecurity could severely undermine learning opportunities for these children.
The situation is particularly alarming as Nigeria already has an estimated 15 million out-of-school children. More than 80 students and teachers remain in captivity following recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, further deepening concerns about safety in schools.
The insecurity challenge has affected over 217,000 public and private schools across the country and has sparked nationwide outrage among teachers, students and civil society groups.
Teachers, Students Stage Nationwide Protests
Members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) staged protests across several states, including Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Edo, Taraba, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Kebbi, Niger, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Borno and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protesters condemned the increasing attacks on schools and the abduction of students and teachers, urging the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to take urgent steps to guarantee the safety of learners and education workers.
The demonstration followed a directive issued by the national leadership of the NUT, which instructed state chapters to organise solidarity rallies to draw attention to the worsening security situation affecting schools.
Speaking during the protest in Abuja, Chairman of the FCT Wing of the NUT, Abdullahi Shafa, described insecurity as a major threat to the nation’s education system.
He noted that repeated kidnappings of students and teachers have created fear among parents, learners and school personnel, leading to disruptions in academic activities.
According to him, schools must remain safe environments where children can learn without fear. He called on security agencies to strengthen surveillance around educational institutions, improve intelligence gathering and fully implement the Safe School Initiative to protect students and teachers.
Shafa also urged authorities to ensure that those responsible for attacks on schools are apprehended and prosecuted.
Oyo Kidnapping Incident Sparks Outrage
In Oyo State, members of the NUT, NLC and NANS protested against the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
NANS President Babatunde Afeez said students from across Nigeria gathered to demand the immediate release of the victims. He described the kidnappers as enemies of society and called for a united national effort to combat insecurity.
Similar demonstrations took place in Kano, Lagos and Taraba states, where teachers and students demanded stronger security measures and the rescue of all abducted victims.
In Edo State, protesters marched through major streets of Benin City to register their displeasure over the continued attacks on schools and educational personnel.
Wike Assures Families of Government Support
Addressing protesting teachers in Abuja, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, assured families of abducted victims that government was working closely with security agencies to secure their release.
Wike said insecurity should not be politicised, stressing that it remains a national challenge requiring collective efforts from all stakeholders.
He maintained that government was committed to addressing the security crisis and ensuring the safe return of those still in captivity.
Experts Warn of More School Closures
Education experts have warned that continued attacks on schools could force more institutions to shut down, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas.
Available records show that more than 11,500 schools were closed across Nigeria between December 2020 and 2024 due to violence, banditry and mass abductions.
Stakeholders fear that persistent attacks are undermining the Safe School Initiative introduced in 2014 to protect educational facilities, teachers and students.
They noted that repeated kidnappings, killings and invasions of schools are eroding public confidence in the safety of educational institutions and worsening the country’s out-of-school children crisis.
National Mobilisation Officer of the Education Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael, called for the immediate rescue of abducted students and teachers. He also advocated stronger collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups to improve school security.
Public affairs analyst Patrick Nzeh similarly urged government to increase funding for school protection, strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance cooperation between communities and security agencies.
South-West Governors Accused of Failing to Tackle Insecurity
Meanwhile, some Yoruba socio-political and self-determination groups have criticised South-West governors over what they described as a weak response to rising insecurity in the region.
The groups accused the governors of relying on routine meetings and public statements while attacks, kidnappings and displacement of residents continue across Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and parts of Lagos State.
According to them, the worsening security situation raises questions about the effectiveness of security spending and the commitment of state governments to protecting lives and property.
Spokesman for the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, Bayo Aina, said governors have the capacity to do more to address insecurity but have failed to demonstrate sufficient political will.
He warned that continued inaction could expose the region to greater threats and compromise its future development.
Similarly, Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group, Wale Oshun, lamented that several recommendations aimed at improving regional security had not been implemented.
The groups called for stronger community policing structures, better intelligence gathering and enhanced regional collaboration to tackle criminal activities.
CAN Demands Security Emergency
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security amid the rising wave of kidnappings and attacks on schools, churches and communities.
Speaking at the 2026 National Church Leaders Summit in Abuja, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh expressed concern over the increasing sophistication of criminal groups and the inability of existing security structures to adequately protect citizens.
He urged government to overhaul the country’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation and greater accountability in combating terrorism, banditry and violent crimes.
Sowore Threatens Protest at Aso Rock
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, joined protesters in Abuja and demanded the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren.
He accused the government of failing to fulfil its responsibility to protect citizens and warned that protests would continue until the children regained their freedom.
Sowore further threatened a march to Aso Rock Villa if the victims were not rescued within days.
Parents Reject Cash, Relief Materials
In Yawota community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, parents of abducted schoolchildren reportedly rejected cash donations and relief materials brought by government officials.
The community’s traditional ruler, Baale Emmanuel Alade, disclosed that grieving parents turned down bags of rice and financial assistance, insisting that their priority was the safe return of their children.
According to him, residents believe no amount of aid can replace the return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The growing wave of insecurity has intensified calls for urgent and decisive action from government at all levels, with stakeholders warning that continued attacks on schools could jeopardise the future of millions of Nigerian children and undermine efforts to improve access to quality education nationwide.
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