School Abductions Won’t Stop Learning, Says Borno Teachers’ Union
Despite growing insecurity and repeated attacks on schools, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Borno State has ruled out the closure of schools, insisting that learning must continue.
The decision comes at a time when concerns over children’s safety are increasing across the state. Recent abductions, including the kidnapping of students from Mussa Primary and Secondary School in Askira Uba Local Government Area, have heightened fears among parents and communities.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NUT, Yusuf Tom, said shutting schools would hand a victory to armed groups seeking to disrupt education.
“We did not order the closure of schools in Borno State. If you close school, it is a victory for fear,” Tom said.
He explained that the union would continue encouraging teachers to remain in classrooms despite the security challenges facing many communities. According to him, allowing fear to dictate educational activities would undermine efforts to keep children learning.
The union’s stance highlights the difficult challenge of balancing children’s safety with their right to education. Schools provide more than academic instruction. They also offer structure, support, and opportunities that are essential for children’s development.
At the same time, repeated attacks on schools have raised serious child protection concerns. Many children in affected communities now face the risk of violence, displacement, interrupted learning, and emotional trauma.
Tom also urged the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted students and teachers. He stressed that every child deserves protection and uninterrupted access to education.
Meanwhile, teachers across the country staged solidarity rallies on Tuesday to demand the unconditional release of abducted learners and education workers. The nationwide protest followed growing concerns over the increasing number of kidnappings targeting schools.
As insecurity continues to threaten education in parts of northern Nigeria, calls for stronger protection measures are becoming louder. Stakeholders say authorities must strengthen school security and ensure that children can learn in safe and secure environments without fear of abduction or violence.
