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The National President of the union, Audu Amba, made the remarks while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
Amba said incidents of banditry, kidnapping and attacks on educational institutions were causing anxiety among teachers, students and other stakeholders, adding that the situation was increasingly undermining efforts to build the nation’s human capital.
He noted that insecurity, which initially appeared manageable, had expanded across several parts of the country and now posed a serious threat to access to quality education.
The NUT president cited recent attacks in Kebbi and Niger states, where schools were reportedly targeted by armed criminals, resulting in abductions and the death of a teacher.
“The situation is becoming alarming. In Kebbi State, a school was attacked and a teacher was killed in the presence of family members. We also received reports of students being abducted in Niger State. These incidents are deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” he said.
According to him, education remains the foundation of national development and must be protected from criminal activities that disrupt learning and endanger lives.
“When basic education comes under threat from insecurity, it indicates a serious problem within the system,” he stated.
Amba said the union had hoped previous incidents would prompt stronger action from relevant authorities but observed that attacks on schools were becoming increasingly frequent.
He also referenced recent developments in Oyo State, saying they highlighted the spread of insecurity around schools and underscored the need for urgent and coordinated intervention by government at all levels.
“It is a matter of concern for every Nigerian because when education is threatened by banditry and kidnapping, the future of the country is placed at risk. Government must be more proactive in addressing these challenges before lasting damage is done to the education sector,” he said.
The NUT leader explained that while the union lacked the capacity of security agencies, it would continue to advocate for the protection of schools, teachers and learners across the country.
“Our only weapon is advocacy. We are not security personnel, but we have a duty to continue speaking out on issues affecting the safety of schools and everyone within the education system,” he said.
Amba noted that the climate of fear created by insecurity was already affecting teaching and learning, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities where the threat of attacks remained high.
“Teachers and learners are constantly worried about where the next attack may occur. In some communities, people go about learning under fear and uncertainty,” he added.
He urged citizens to support efforts to safeguard schools by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
According to him, ensuring security is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of community leaders, parents and members of the public.
Amba further stressed that the protection of lives and property, including educational institutions, remained a constitutional obligation of government.
“Schools are public assets, and the lives of teachers and learners must be protected at all times,” he said.
The union president also disclosed that the NUT directed its Oyo State chapter to suspend classroom activities following the abduction of teachers and students in the state.
He said the measure was taken as a precautionary step while efforts continued to secure the release of those held captive.
“We asked teachers to remain at home until our colleagues and the learners are rescued because their safety is our primary concern. When people are in captivity, normal learning cannot continue,” he said.
Amba reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with government and other stakeholders to promote safer learning environments and guarantee uninterrupted access to quality education nationwide.
