Insecurity threatens Nigerian education, NANS warns

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has sounded a strong warning over the worsening insecurity across the country, saying the rising attacks on schools are endangering the future of young Nigerians and threatening the entire education system.

The alarm follows two disturbing incidents this week. On Monday, armed men invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting 25 students and killing the school’s vice-principal. Earlier today, yet another school in Niger State St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA was attacked, with students and staff taken away by gunmen.

In a statement issued on Friday, NANS National PRO, Adeyemi Ajasa, expressed deep concern, describing the attacks as calculated attempts to cripple education and destabilise communities.

According to the association, the frequent assaults are not random but part of a coordinated strategy by criminal gangs. “These targeted invasions of schools are clear efforts to cause mass disruption, displace learners, and weaken academic institutions. The Kebbi abduction is a painful reminder of how bold and brutal these non-state actors have become,” the statement said.

NANS added that the climate of fear now forces students to weigh their safety against their desire for education an impossible situation for any society that seeks progress.

The body urged the Federal Government to abandon what it called “reactive, piecemeal responses,” insisting on a more aggressive national approach. It demanded major investments in surveillance technology, stronger community-based security structures, and a full rescue and rehabilitation plan for all abducted students.

NANS also challenged the military and security agencies to shift from defensive tactics to intelligence-driven operations, improve coordination, and prioritise the protection of schools as a key national duty.

Ajasa noted that the union mourns those killed in recent attacks and continues to pray for the safe return of all abducted citizens. He added that NANS is committed to continuous engagement with authorities until Nigerian students can learn without fear.

The statement ended with a firm declaration: “Nigeria must not allow its education sector to be destroyed by forces determined to bring it to its knees.”