The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has issued a stern ultimatum to the government, secure the nation’s classrooms or face a total withdrawal of teaching services.
National President Comrade Titus Amba delivered the warning on Thursday, the 18th of December, 2025, citing the escalating wave of banditry and kidnappings that have turned schools into high-risk zones, particularly across Northern Nigeria.
The threat follows a string of traumatic incidents, including the mass abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi, large-scale kidnappings in Niger State, and violent raids on pupils in Kwara.
These attacks have already forced the closure of numerous boarding schools in vulnerable regions as the state struggles to contain the violence.
Speaking to the press following the 8th quadrennial delegates’ conference of the Jigawa State NUT chapter in Dutse, on Thursday the 18th of December, 2025, Amba characterized the current climate as a “direct assault” on the Nigerian educational system. He expressed frustration with what he perceives as a lack of urgency from the authorities.
“We have seen cases where students are abducted in large numbers and teachers are targeted, yet the system continues as if nothing serious has happened.”
The NUT highlighted specific tragedies where educators paid the ultimate price while trying to provide an education, Kebbi State a vice principal was killed during an attack.
Niger & Kwara States: Hundreds of students were kidnapped.
National Trend: Frequent abductions of teachers while actively in the classroom.
Amba asserted that the safety of union members is non-negotiable, stating that the government must view school protection as a national emergency.
“Teaching is a noble profession, not a death sentence. Members are ready to do their jobs, but they must first be alive to teach.”
READ ALSO: NUT Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Rising School Attacks
To prevent a total shutdown of the education sector, the NUT is calling for a tactical shift in how schools are protected, moving beyond rhetoric toward “concrete action.”
For Fortification there should be Deployment of specialized security personnel to rural schools.
Use of advanced surveillance to monitor and detect threats.
Governments at all levels must provide a safe working environment as a fundamental right.
Amba concluded by noting that while the union does not take the threat of a strike lightly, they will not continue to expose teachers to the risk of death or abduction without adequate protection.