Nigeria Faces Urgent Call to Safeguard Educational Institutions Amid Rising Attacks

This year's International Day to Protect Education from Attack, observed on September 9, carries a poignant significance for Nigeria as schools resume for the 2026/2027 academic session. The theme, “Can Education Survive Attack: The Resilience of Human Communities,” resonates deeply in a nation where the safety of children in classrooms is frequently compromised. The alarming trend of school abductions serves as a harsh reminder of the government's deteriorating ability to fulfill its fundamental duty to protect its citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Educational institutions, designed to be sanctuaries for learning, have increasingly become targets for terrorists and bandits who exploit the academic environment for ransom and psychological warfare. According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, there were over 8,566 recorded attacks on educational facilities globally between 2024 and 2025, marking a staggering 40 percent increase from the previous two years. The repercussions of this violence have been devastating, impacting at least 10,600 students, teachers, and education personnel around the world.

In Nigeria, the situation is particularly dire. For instance, in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, only 56 out of 113 primary schools were operational as of late August 2026. This stark statistic highlights the severe disruption to education caused by insecurity. Furthermore, the haunting memories of the abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, and Kankara linger in the national consciousness, serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing crisis. As of now, approximately 80 students kidnapped during attacks in May and June remain unaccounted for, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures.

The persistent threat to education in Nigeria raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies. The recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on November 17, 2025, exemplifies the urgent need for the government to take decisive action. Parents and educators alike are calling for a systemic overhaul to ensure that classrooms are once again seen as safe havens for children, free from the specter of violence and abduction.