The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has warned that its members are prepared to embark on a nationwide strike, citing the growing insecurity in schools as a serious threat to educators, staff, and students.
At a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 25, NUT President Titus Amba-Audu criticised the Federal Government for failing to implement the Safe Schools Declaration effectively, accusing authorities of merely paying lip service to the protection of educational institutions.
He said this neglect has encouraged criminal groups to increasingly target schools.
“Within the past month, 25 students were abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Science College, Maga in Kebbi State, and 315 students from Saint Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papari, Niger State.
“The public outrage is understandable, and so is ours,” Amba-Audu stated.
He also condemned the killing of a vice principal and a security guard during the Kebbi attack, highlighting that these incidents have forced the closure of several schools, putting children’s education and future at risk.
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He said the attacks underscore the government’s inability to enforce the Safe Schools Declaration and other protective measures.
Nigeria has endured repeated school abductions over the years, including the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, the 2018 Dapchi abductions, and multiple attacks on schools in Kaduna and Zamfara.
In March 2024, 287 students were kidnapped in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
Amba-Audu emphasised that NUT members across the country are unified in demanding urgent action from all tiers of government.
He warned that unless effective security measures are implemented to protect schools and communities, the union will be forced to launch a nationwide strike to defend both lives and the right to education.