Governors across Nigeria are facing intense criticism as worsening insecurity threatens the education of more than 52 million pupils and students in primary and secondary schools. Frequent attacks on schools, abduction of learners and teachers, and growing safety fears have forced the closure of schools in several communities, leaving many children out of the classroom. With about 15 million children already out of school and over 80 pupils and teachers still in captivity following coordinated attacks in Oyo and Borno states, concerns are mounting that the crisis could deepen an already fragile education system.
Nationwide Protests Erupt
Members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) staged protests yesterday in Oyo, Borno, Lagos, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Kano, Taraba, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Kebbi, Niger, Abia, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They condemned attacks on schools and abductions of teachers and pupils, calling on federal and state governments to take urgent measures to guarantee safety in educational facilities.
The union warned that without concrete steps to address insecurity, efforts to improve access to quality education and meet Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education for all) could suffer a major setback. The protest followed a directive from the NUT national leadership, dated May 29, 2026, mandating all state chapters to hold solidarity rallies.
Governors Accused of Complacency
South-West socio-political, cultural, and self-determination groups accused governors in the region of complacency and failure to confront terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The groups alleged that while communities face repeated attacks, governors rely on routine security meetings and public statements without decisive action. They warned that further loss of lives and property should be laid at the doorstep of political leadership.
In Oyo State, bandit and kidnapping activities have risen, including a deadly attack on forest guards at Old Oyo National Park and incursions into Oke-Ogun communities. In Ogun State, a kidnappers' camp was dismantled, while Ondo and Osun states remain vulnerable. The groups called for accountability regarding security votes and urged citizens to demand transparency from their governors.
Stakeholders Demand Action
Speaking at the protest in Abuja, NUT FCT Chairman Abdullahi Shafa said schools should remain safe spaces for learning. He called on the Federal Government to strengthen security around schools, improve intelligence gathering, and fully implement the Safe School Initiative (SSI). In Oyo, NANS President Babatunde Afeez described abductors as monsters and urged unity against a common enemy.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike assured that the government shares the pain of affected families and warned against politicizing insecurity. He stated, "No government would intentionally allow its citizens to be kidnapped." Experts lamented that over 11,500 schools were shut between December 2020 and 2024 due to violence, warning that continued attacks could lead to more closures, especially in rural areas.
Christian Association Calls for Emergency
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security amid rising kidnappings and attacks on churches and schools. CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh called for a comprehensive review of security architecture and enhanced intelligence gathering.
Activist Omoyele Sowore threatened a protest at Aso Rock Villa if abducted children are not rescued. Meanwhile, parents of abducted schoolchildren in Yawota, Oyo State, rejected relief materials and cash from government officials, insisting on the safe return of their children.
