NUT raises alarm over rising insecurity in Nigerian schools

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Titus Amba, has expressed concern over the growing wave of insecurity affecting schools across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future of education in the country.

Speaking with journalists in Jalingo at the weekend, Amba said the increasing attacks on schools, teachers, and students could undermine efforts aimed at improving the nation’s education sector.

He noted that parents entrust schools with the responsibility of educating their children and preparing them for a better future, stressing that such expectations can only be met in a safe and secure learning environment.

“If the safety of learners and teachers cannot be guaranteed, then the nation’s educational development is at risk,” he stated.

The NUT president questioned the rationale behind attacks on innocent children and educators, wondering why individuals committed to learning and teaching should become targets of violence.

According to him, the union considers it a duty to speak out on issues affecting the welfare and safety of teachers across the country and to demand stronger protection measures from relevant authorities.

Amba emphasised that safeguarding lives and property remains a constitutional responsibility of government, urging authorities at all levels to take decisive action to tackle the growing insecurity threatening schools.

He cited recent incidents in Borno, Oyo, and Kogi states, including the killing of two teachers during the conduct of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examinations, as evidence of the urgent need for enhanced security around educational institutions.

Condemning the activities of bandits and other criminal elements, Amba lamented the continued loss of lives, describing the killings as senseless and unacceptable.

“People are being killed indiscriminately as if they were animals,” he said.

The NUT leader further stressed that ensuring security is a collective responsibility, calling on citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could help prevent attacks and protect schools nationwide.