Teachers, Principals Call for Urgent Action on School Security Amid Rising Abductions

Education stakeholders have raised serious concerns over escalating insecurity in Nigerian schools, urging governments at all levels to take immediate action to protect teachers and students from attacks, abductions, and other forms of violence.

The call comes as statistics show that an estimated 603 students and teachers have been kidnapped in seven mass abductions from schools between March 2024 and May 2026. These incidents have occurred despite the existence of a N145 billion Safe Schools Initiative.

Speaking during a panel session in Lagos, the Lagos State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, described insecurity as the most pressing challenge confronting the education sector. He noted that concerns about salaries and working conditions have now been overshadowed by safety issues, adding that teachers must first be alive before they can enjoy any welfare package.

He also lamented a growing culture of disrespect and violence against teachers, alleging that some students now attack teachers, sometimes with the backing of their parents. He noted that the situation has deteriorated from student misconduct to outright terrorism around schools, with bandits killing teachers at will.

The Lagos State President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools described the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State as evidence of the country’s worsening security crisis. He warned that a nation where future leaders are held in forests and teachers are afraid to go to classes is doomed.

He disclosed that a delegation from the association recently visited the affected schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and found shocking security lapses, including no fences, no guards, poor mobile network coverage, and proximity to a national park. He noted that the victims were marched into the forest on foot and some remain in captivity.

He blamed governments at various levels for failing to prioritise education and school safety, questioning why it is difficult for authorities to fence schools. He called for massive investment in infrastructure, teacher development, and security.

The official also criticised policies that could lower educational standards, arguing that the profession now attracts rejects from other fields. He drew lessons from rapidly developing Asian economies, noting that countries that prioritise education record greater progress. He further called for improved welfare for teachers, stating that poor treatment discourages younger generations from embracing the profession.

The Lagos State Coordinator of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria described insecurity in schools as one of the most painful realities confronting the education sector. She lamented the growing incidents of teachers and students being abducted from school premises, saying it is sad and pathetic that innocent children face such danger simply for wanting to go to school.

She noted that persistent insecurity, poor welfare, and inadequate infrastructure are making the teaching profession increasingly unattractive. She urged governments to invest more resources in schools, improve infrastructure, and restore the dignity of teaching.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools Nigeria held a virtual interfaith prayer session in response to the recent abductions, featuring school proprietors, teachers, parents, and faith leaders praying for peace, safety, and national security.