Anietie Udobit, Abuja
A growing wave of kidnappings targeting schools and educators has triggered nationwide protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), with teachers in several states suspending academic activities and demanding urgent government intervention to secure learning environments.
Grow your business with us
The latest demonstrations were sparked by the abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as renewed attacks on educational institutions in parts of Borno State.
Across major cities, teachers carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Schools Must Be Safe Again,” “Stop the Kidnappings,” and “Education Cannot Thrive Under Fear.” The protests reflect increasing frustration among educators who say they have become soft targets for criminal gangs and terrorist groups operating across the country.
NUT leaders warned that unless decisive action is taken, the insecurity could undermine decades of progress in school enrollment and educational development.
Education experts note that repeated attacks on schools have contributed to declining attendance, growing trauma among pupils, and rising numbers of out-of-school children. According to humanitarian organizations, insecurity remains one of the biggest threats facing Nigeria’s education sector.
The union called on federal and state governments to establish dedicated school protection units, strengthen intelligence gathering around vulnerable communities, and ensure rapid response mechanisms whenever threats emerge.
Parents’ groups have also joined the call, expressing fears that continued insecurity could force many families to withdraw their children from schools.
Security analysts argue that protecting educational institutions must now become a national priority, warning that attacks on schools represent not only criminal acts but also direct assaults on Nigeria’s future human capital development.
As public pressure mounts, attention is shifting to both federal and state authorities to demonstrate that schools can once again become safe spaces for teaching and learning.