The President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Mr Audu Amba, has raised concerns over the growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria, warning that continued attacks on schools could endanger the country’s education system and human capital development.
Amba made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, where he highlighted increasing cases of banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks targeting schools and communities.
He said teachers, students, and education stakeholders are increasingly alarmed by the trend, which he noted has spread across several parts of the country.
According to him, recent incidents in states such as Kebbi State and Niger State, where schools were attacked, students abducted, and a teacher killed, reflect a worsening security situation.
“The situation is becoming alarming… These incidents are deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” he said.
Amba warned that insecurity is no longer isolated but increasingly widespread, adding that it poses a direct threat to basic education and national development.
He also referenced developments in Oyo State, saying they further show that school-related insecurity is expanding and requires urgent government action.
The NUT president stressed that education remains central to national progress, noting that persistent attacks on schools create fear and disrupt teaching and learning, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.
“You do not know where the next attack may occur. In some places, learning takes place with one eye open and one eye closed,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to adopt stronger and more coordinated security measures to protect schools, teachers, and learners across the country.
Amba also appealed to communities to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, describing security as a collective responsibility.
“The responsibility of government is to protect lives and property. Schools are public assets, and their safety must be guaranteed,” he added.
The union leader reaffirmed the commitment of the teachers’ union to continue advocating for safer learning environments while acknowledging that it does not have enforcement powers like security agencies.
He further noted that the union directed its Oyo State chapter to advise teachers to stay at home temporarily following recent abductions, pending improved safety conditions and rescue efforts.
Amba concluded by calling for urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration of safety in Nigeria’s education sector, warning that continued attacks could have long-term consequences for national development.
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