As a Security Analyst and the Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT), I am deeply concerned about the recurring pattern of school closures across several states in Nigeria due to escalating security threats.
While the safety of students is paramount and remains a moral and constitutional obligation, shutting down schools—whether temporarily or repeatedly—cannot become a long-term solution. Education is a fundamental human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 26, and any prolonged interruption exposes millions of children to psychological distress, learning gaps, and long-term socioeconomic disadvantages.
Across many Nigerian states, the persistent closure of schools signals a deeper structural problem that demands urgent and strategic action, not panic-driven responses. We urge government authorities at federal and state levels to adopt proactive security strategies that protect schools without halting learning activities. These include:
1. Strengthening Community Intelligence
Enhancing collaboration between security agencies, community leaders, vigilante groups, and parents to identify threats before they escalate.
2. Deploying School Safety Marshals
Specially trained personnel can be positioned around vulnerable schools to deter attacks and improve rapid response.
3. Introducing Safe School Infrastructure
Perimeter fencing, access control, surveillance systems, and emergency communication lines should be installed in all public schools.
4. Addressing Root Causes of Insecurity
Banditry and terrorism thrive where poverty, unemployment, and weak governance exist. A comprehensive socioeconomic intervention plan is indispensable.
5. Coordinated Inter-State Security Operations
Since threats cut across state boundaries, a joint regional security framework should be activated to prevent criminals from exploiting weak zones.
Nigeria cannot afford a future where children live in fear and parents lose confidence in the education system. We call on all stakeholders—government, security agencies, civil society, traditional leaders, and citizens—to join hands in safeguarding our schools and ensuring learning continues without interruption.
Education must never be allowed to collapse under the weight of insecurity.
Signed
Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu
Security Analyst & Country Director
IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter