Fragmented responses to tragedy can’t help us when schools become targets

For decades, Nigerians have regarded education as the most reliable pathway to social mobility, national development and economic prosperity. Parents endured hardship, sold assets and made sacrifices to ensure their children attended school. Today, however, a disturbing reality is emerging across our nation. Many parents are no longer worried primarily about school fees or academic performance, but are worried about whether their children will return home alive.

The growing wave of attacks on schools and the kidnapping of students and pupils has placed Nigeria’s educational sector under unprecedented pressure. Recent data released in May 2026 by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) paints an ugly picture. Between April 2014 and May 2026, at least 26 schools were attacked across our nation, while 2,416 students and pupils were abducted. Behind these statistics are shattered families, traumatised communities and thousands of children whose education has been disrupted, perhaps permanently.

What was once seen as a security challenge largely confined to parts of the north has now evolved into a national crisis. School kidnappings and attacks are no longer viewed as isolated incidents but as symptoms of a broader breakdown in security. The cancer is spreading from one state to another, creating an atmosphere of fear that threatens the very foundation of learning.

So far, the implications for the educational sector are frightening, as insecurity is accelerating school absenteeism and dropout rates. Parents who fear for their children’s safety are increasingly reluctant to send them to school, especially in rural and semi-urban communities. In many cases, schools that experience attacks remain closed for extended periods, while some never reopen. The result is a growing population of out-of-school children in a nation that already carries one of the highest out-of-school populations in the world.

Also, insecurity is undermining educational quality, as teachers are becoming unwilling to accept postings to vulnerable communities. Many experienced educators seek transfers to safer locations, leaving already disadvantaged schools with severe staffing shortages. Where teachers and students live under constant fear, meaningful learning becomes almost impossible.

Likewise, attacks on schools damage public confidence in government institutions. Education thrives in an environment of stability, trust and predictability. When citizens begin to believe that schools are unsafe and governments are unable to protect children, confidence in public education erodes. This often drives those who can afford it toward expensive private institutions or overseas alternatives, widening social inequality.

Similarly, the economic implications are equally disturbing, as no nation can build a competitive economy while its schools are under siege. Education produces the skilled workforce required for industrialisation, technological advancement and economic growth. Every child forced out of school Today represents lost productivity, reduced innovation and diminished national competitiveness tomorrow.

The current situation also raises important questions about our nation’s approach to security management. A common complaint among citizens is the perceived lack of urgency in addressing insecurity. Whether this perception is entirely accurate or not, it reflects growing public frustration. Nigerians want to see visible, coordinated and sustained action.

History offers an important lesson. When the Boko Haram insurgency first emerged, there were periods when many underestimated the threat. Delayed responses and denial allowed the problem to grow into a major national security challenge. The danger Today is that Nigeria may once again underestimate the long-term consequences of attacks on educational institutions.

Modern security threats require modern solutions. Around the world, technology has become an essential tool in combating crime and protecting vulnerable communities. Surveillance systems, intelligence-gathering platforms, biometric identification, drone technology, emergency response networks and data-driven policing are increasingly being deployed to prevent attacks before they occur. We must accelerate the adoption of such tools while strengthening coordination among security agencies.

At the same time, the debate around state policing deserves serious consideration. The persistent calls for state police have gained momentum because many believe local security structures would be more responsive to community-specific threats. While concerns about potential abuse remain valid, the worsening security environment suggests that Nigeria can no longer afford to ignore discussions on security reforms. The National Assembly should therefore approach the issue with urgency, balancing accountability with effectiveness.

Equally important is the need for national solidarity. In societies confronting major security crises, collective empathy often becomes a source of strength. Yet, there are moments when Nigeria appears fragmented in its response to tragedy.

While communities mourn kidnapped children, public attention frequently shifts to political contests, ethnic debates and ceremonial celebrations. Cultural festivals and traditional events are important aspects of national life, but they should never overshadow the suffering of families whose children remain in captivity.

As we move closer to the 2027 elections, political leaders must resist the temptation to prioritise electoral calculations over security concerns. No political ambition should take precedence over the protection of Nigerian children.

The way forward is clear, as we must strengthen intelligence gathering, embrace technology-driven security measures, accelerate security sector reforms, improve coordination among federal and state authorities and ensure rapid responses to emerging threats. Schools should be designated and treated as protected national assets, with dedicated security frameworks tailored to educational institutions.

Most importantly, we must reaffirm a simple but powerful principle: every child has the right to learn without fear.

When schools become targets, society itself becomes vulnerable. An attack on a classroom is not merely an attack on students; it is an attack on our nation’s future. If the nation fails to secure its schools Today, it risks mortgaging the dreams, productivity and prosperity of generations yet unborn.