The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has issued a strong warning that it may order a nationwide shutdown of schools if any further attacks occur on educational institutions across the country, following a surge in kidnappings and killings targeting pupils and teachers.
The union expressed deep concern over repeated assaults on schools in states such as Oyo, Borno, and Kebbi, where both students and teachers have been abducted and, in some cases, killed. Recent incidents include the violent invasion of three schools in Oyo State—Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and LA Primary School—where about 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken away. In Borno State, more than 50 pupils of Mussa Central Primary School in Askira-Uba LGA were also kidnapped.
Speaking on the worsening situation, the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Titus Amba, said teachers could no longer continue working under unsafe conditions, stressing that their safety must be guaranteed or they would withdraw their services.
He noted that despite the introduction of the Safe School Initiative aimed at protecting learning environments, insecurity in schools has continued to worsen.
According to him, “As far as we are concerned, we are still where we are… things are getting worse, especially at the basic education level.”
Amba further explained that banditry, kidnappings, and killings have persisted in schools despite government interventions, particularly in Borno, Kebbi, and Oyo States. He described the situation as alarming for education stakeholders.
He added that the Safe School Initiative, while well-intentioned, has not delivered the expected level of protection for schools nationwide.
The NUT president warned that continued attacks could force the union to take drastic action, including shutting down basic education schools across the country.
“This is the last time we will agitate alone. If this happens again in any state, we may have no option but to shut down the entire basic education system,” he stated.
He cited disturbing cases where teachers and students were abducted, and in some instances killed, including reports of a vice principal murdered in front of his family in Kebbi and teachers being kidnapped or killed in Oyo.
Amba maintained that teachers would not be forced to work in life-threatening environments, adding that they would be instructed to stay at home if safety cannot be assured.
“If I know my life is not guaranteed at my workplace, I won’t go there. Life comes first,” he said.
He also called for stronger collaboration between government, community leaders, and residents to improve the security of schools, stressing that protecting education is a shared responsibility.
He further confirmed that some of the abducted victims are still in captivity and that the union has directed its state branches, including Oyo, to ensure teachers stay away from schools considered unsafe.
The NUT also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding schools and communities, warning that continued neglect of security could collapse the education system in affected areas.
According to the union, government remains primarily responsible for protecting lives and property, including those of teachers and students, while citizens must also contribute to securing educational institutions.
