The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has declared that schools in Borno State will remain open despite growing security concerns, insisting that shutting down educational institutions would hand terrorists the victory they seek in their campaign against learning.
Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the union’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Tom, said the NUT had not issued any directive ordering the closure of schools in the state. He stressed that teachers remain committed to ensuring that education continues despite the challenges posed by insecurity.
Representing the Borno State Chairman of the union, Comrade Zali Garba, Tom stated that closing schools would only strengthen the objectives of insurgents who aim to spread fear, disrupt learning and discourage children from attending school.
According to him, teachers across the state have been encouraged to remain at their duty posts and continue teaching as part of efforts to resist attempts to undermine education in the region.
“We did not order the closure of schools in Borno State. If schools are closed, it means fear has won. We will continue to encourage our teachers to teach and ensure that learning continues because we must not allow terrorists to achieve their goal of shutting down schools,” he said.
Tom acknowledged the serious security challenges facing teachers and students but maintained that abandoning education was not the solution. Instead, he called on government authorities to strengthen security measures and provide adequate protection for schools and education workers.
The union spokesman also explained that the planned nationwide protest by teachers would serve as an opportunity to demand urgent government intervention in the increasing cases of kidnappings and attacks on schools.
He expressed particular concern over the abduction of pupils and students from Mussa Primary and Secondary School in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
“Education is a fundamental human right. These children deserve protection and the opportunity to learn in a safe environment. We are calling on government at all levels to take decisive action to rescue the abducted pupils, students, teachers and other education workers in Borno and across the country,” Tom said.
Teachers nationwide were expected to participate in solidarity rallies across all 36 state capitals on Tuesday to demand the unconditional release of abducted teachers and students in Borno, Oyo and other affected states.
The protests were organised by the NUT in response to the growing wave of attacks, kidnappings and insecurity affecting schools across the country. The action followed a directive issued by the union’s national leadership in a circular dated May 29, 2026, and signed by NUT President Audu Amba and Secretary Clinton Ikpitibo.
The circular instructed all state chapters to stage peaceful rallies aimed at drawing national attention to the worsening security situation in schools and the urgent need for government intervention.
The union emphasized that the demonstrations were not intended to disrupt academic activities but to press authorities to improve security and restore confidence in the nation’s education system.
Tom reiterated that teachers would continue to defend every child’s right to education while demanding stronger protection for schools, learners and education personnel across Nigeria.
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