The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Malick Fall, has called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders to promote safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments across the country.
Fall made the call after a meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), led by its Commandant, Dr. Samuel Umanah, in Abuja.
The meeting focused on the recent wave of school abductions and expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities, and communities in Oyo and Borno states.
According to Fall, the protection of children and the preservation of their right to education in safety and dignity must remain a national priority.
He expressed concern over the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers, noting that the incidents had already resulted in the tragic killing of two educators.
“We are deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups,” Fall said.
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“Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target.”
He stressed the urgent need for the full implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, the strengthening of emergency response mechanisms, and the adoption of efficient, data-driven approaches to protect schools and vulnerable children.
“These incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning spaces,” he added.
The UN official commended the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian government and security agencies in responding to the situation but urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe and swift release of all abducted pupils and teachers.
He also called for those responsible for the attacks to be brought to justice.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the safety of schools in parts of Nigeria, following a series of abductions that have disrupted learning and heightened fears among parents, teachers, and students.