Amidst the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system and security landscape, the International Organisation for Peace Building and Social Justice (PSJUK) has urged for significant investment in both sectors to address the pressing issues. Highlighting the dire situation, PSJUK emphasized the need for urgent action to mitigate the impact of insecurity on education, particularly concerning the alarming number of out-of-school children in the country.
The organisation’s report, titled ‘Insecurity and Education in Nigeria: The Context and Challenges,’ underscored the devastating human cost inflicted by insecurity on students, teachers, and families. With Nigeria hosting one of the world’s largest populations of out-of-school children, accounting for 15% of the global total, the report painted a grim picture of the current state of education in the country.
Recent attacks on schools, including the abduction of students for ransom, have further exacerbated the situation. The report cited incidents such as the abduction of 137 schoolchildren and a teacher in Kaduna State, along with the abduction of 15 Tsangaya students in Sokoto State, as examples of the ongoing insecurity plaguing educational institutions.
PSJUK warned of dire consequences for Nigeria’s overall development if the intertwined crises of insecurity and education are not addressed promptly. With millions of children unable to attend school due to closures caused by attacks, the report highlighted the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to safeguard the future generation’s access to education.
Despite efforts by national and international stakeholders, progress in addressing these challenges has been limited. The report emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving both domestic and international actors to tackle the root causes of insecurity and improve education infrastructure.
Key recommendations included strengthening security measures, promoting inclusive governance, investing in education infrastructure, and enhancing access to quality education for all. By prioritizing education and addressing the underlying causes of insecurity, Nigeria can pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future, according to PSJUK.