Nigeria’s Education at Risk: Human Rights Official Calls for Strategic Security Measures.
Nigeria’s Education at Risk: Human Rights Official Calls for Strategic Security Measures.
The Nigeria International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Country Director Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu has expressed concern over the rising trend of school closures across Nigeria due to insecurity. In a statement on Wednesday, Adamu warned that shutting down schools is not a sustainable or long-term solution to the security challenges facing the country.
He emphasized that while student safety is paramount, repeated closures threaten children’s rights and the future of education. Many children are already experiencing learning gaps and psychological stress due to frequent disruptions. Adamu pointed out that these closures reveal deeper issues related to security and structural weaknesses that require urgent, strategic responses rather than temporary measures.
Adamu called on both federal and state governments to adopt proactive strategies that keep schools open without compromising safety. He recommended enhancing community intelligence networks, deploying trained school safety marshals, and upgrading school infrastructure — including perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance, access controls, and emergency communication systems.
Furthermore, he highlighted that insecurity is often driven by poverty, unemployment, and poor governance, which must be addressed to tackle the root causes of banditry and terrorism. Adamu also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting that criminals frequently operate across borders. A coordinated security framework among states is crucial to prevent attackers from moving through weak zones.
Concluding, Adamu warned that Nigeria cannot afford a future where children live in fear or where parents lose confidence in the education system. He called for collective efforts involving government, security agencies, civil society, traditional leaders, and citizens to ensure that education continues unhindered and that schools remain safe havens for learning.
